When is a bladder training programme used?

Bladder training is a treatment for people who experience a sudden urgent need to pass small amounts of urine more frequently than normal. Some people may also experience leakage before reaching the toilet.

Sometimes people without urgency develop the habit of passing urine frequently to avoid accidents. These people may also benefit from bladder training.

What is bladder training?

The aim of bladder training is to improve bladder control and increase the amount of urine the bladder can comfortably hold without urgency or leakage.

The programme helps people learn to suppress the urge to pass urine until a socially acceptable time and place is found. When the bladder is sensitive or overactive, learning to ‘hold on’ can be difficult at first, but usually becomes easier with practice.

The bladder training programme

Keep a bladder chart or diary to measure progress. If you have not been given one by your doctor or continence advisor, record:

• When you pass urine
• How much urine you pass
• Any accidental leakage of urine

Fill in the bladder chart for 2–4 days, including overnight. Gradually try to increase the time between visits to the toilet. Each time you feel the urge to go, try to hold on for a few minutes longer.

If you wake during the night with a strong urge to pass urine, it is reasonable to empty your bladder straight away unless advised otherwise. As your daytime control improves, you may feel more confident practising the programme at night.

Helpful hints

• When you feel an urgent need to pass urine, try sitting down and distracting yourself from the urge.
• When going to the toilet, walk — do not run.
• Avoid going to the toilet “just in case”.
• Drink 6–8 cups of fluid during the day unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Reduce drinks that may irritate the bladder, such as tea, coffee, cola, and alcohol.
• Maintain regular bowel habits and avoid constipation, as this can increase bladder sensitivity.
• Continue doing your pelvic floor exercises to help improve confidence and bladder control.

Will there be setbacks?

Small day-to-day changes in bladder patterns are normal. However, people starting a bladder training programme may occasionally notice symptoms becoming worse again.

Setbacks can happen:

• When you are tired or run down
• During a urinary tract (bladder) infection
• During periods of anxiety or emotional stress
• In wet, windy, or cold weather
• During illness, such as a cold or flu

If this happens, try not to feel discouraged. Keep practising and stay positive.

For further information or support, contact your GP or local Bladder and Bowel Service.