Having urge incontinence means the bladder muscles contract at the "wrong time". This results in an urge to urinate or even an involuntary leakage of urine.
Thus, therapy aims to train the bladder muscles to wait until urination is really neccessary.
There are two methods of treatment that are used simultaneously and have proven successful in over 80% of treated cases.
1. Use of pharmaceuticals
2. Targeted bladder training through exercises and
the help of a diary
Pharmaceuticals
There are different medications available for treatment of an urge to urinate. They have a relaxing effect on the bladder and prevent it from premature contraction which causes the urge to urinate. Low dosage and the use of modern agents seldomly cause any side-effects.
Bladder training
You can get get your bladder used to emptying at specific times. By emptying your bladder at pre-set times or intervals it will adopt to that rythm and 'forget' the urge in between.
Below, you will find a link to our bladder diary form which will assist you in training your bladder. After consulting your doctor, you can start your training by going to the toilet every two hours for a fortnight. Plan additional 'toilet visits' according to your drinking habits and lifestyle (e.g. half an hour after breakfast). However, not more than ten visits a day in total. Try to stick to your pre-set times despite having an urge.
You can start to slowly increase the gaps between the times going to the toilet. However, you should always go to the toilet at the set times even without feeling the need.
Tips to control the urge
In your 'struggle' against the urge to urinate it is important for you to know that this urge usually lasts for no more than 5 minutes. If you can stem the urge, you have won! Do not go to the toilet having an urge, for vibrations of walking may increase this urge. Therefore, sit down or stand still and contract your pelvic floor muscles to avoid leakage of urine. After the urge is over, slowly go to the toilet continuing to keep your pelvic floor muscles contracted.
If possible bend the upper part of your body forward (as if tightening your shoe laces), this usually leads to a sudden decrease of the urge.
If all of the above described treatments should fail, it makes sense to try electrostimulation. Therefore, electrodes stimulating particular nerves, will be used. These avoid premature contraction of the bladder muscles. The urge to urinate is completely eliminated.
