Bladder problems must be properly managed, if left untreated they could result in serious health issues.
There are many options available to help manage bladder problems:
Pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help reduce urinary incontinence.
- Slowly contract and lift the pelvic floor muscles and hold the position for five seconds, then release
- Quickly contract and release the pelvic floor muscles
You will need to do the exercises regularly and it may take several months before you see a significant improvement.
Bladder retraining
Bladder retraining to help reduce urinary incontinence aims to gradually stretch the bladder so that it can hold larger volumes of urine.
Catheters
Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is an effective bladder management technique based on the regular and complete emptying of the bladder by using a catheter. People who catheterize to empty their bladder typically need to do so 4-6 times a day. Learn more about Coloplast catheters for men and women).
Remember, users performing self-catheterization should always follow the advise of their healthcare provider.
Collecting systems (for men)
For men who leak urine (male incontinence), male external catheters (often called “urisheaths” or “condom catheters”) are an effective and comfortable solution to manage leakage. The male external catheter is worn over the penis and is connected to a urine bag fastened to the leg. Learn more about Coloplast products for male incontinence.
Lifestyle changes
For some people, managing symptoms may include lifestyle changes such as changing the diet to reduce constipation or reducing the consumption of caffeinated beverages. Planning out fluid intake at certain times may also be helpful so the need to urinate is more convenient and doesn’t coincide with excursions in public or sleeping at night.
Medication
Drugs and medications are prescribed for all types of incontinence, but they are generally most useful for urge incontinence, particularly when combined with pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. Stress incontinence is usually managed without medication.
Surgery
A variety of surgical procedures are available for the treatment of bladder problems. Deciding which procedure, if any, you use depends on the type and cause of incontinence.
Find out more*
A number of Coloplast products are available to help manage bladder problems:
*Users performing self-catheterization should follow the advice of their physician.
** These are general guidelines meant to help you with typical questions you have about bladder issues and management. You should always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the bladder management solution you use.