The bladder workout: Tame Overactive Bladder without Surgery

If you experience a sudden urge to urinate, even when your bladder isn't full, you might be suffering from Overactive bladder. Also known as urge incontinence, this feeling can be a nuisance. But when the urge can't be controlled and it results in incontinence, quality of life is significantly impacted. In younger women, it might initially appear to be a symptom of a urinary tract infection.

Fortunately, bladder training is a strategy that can go a long way toward helping with urinary incontinence. Bladder training involves learning to urinate on a schedule (called timed voiding) and doing pelvic muscle exercises.

Here's a step-by-step guide to bladder-training technique:

Keep a diary. For a day or two, keep track of the times you urinate or leak urine during the day.
Calculate. On average, what is the gap between visits to the bathroom during the day?
Choose an interval. Based on your typical interval between needing to urinate, set your starting interval for training so that it's 15 minutes longer. For example, if you usually make it for 1 hour before you need to use the bathroom, make your starting interval 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Hold back. On your training day, empty your bladder in the morning and don’t go again until your target time. If the time comes before you feel the need, go anyway. If you feel the urge first, remember that your bladder isn’t full, and use any methods to hold off going. Try pelvic floor exercises (also called Kegels), or simply try to wait another 5 minutes before walking slowly to the bathroom.
Increase your interval. Once you are successful with your initial interval, increase it by another 15 minutes. Over several weeks, you will find you are able to wait much longer and that you feel the urge less often. After 4-8 weeks, if you think you have found some improvement, do another diary. Compare your initial diary to your second diary to note the improvements in your intervals and the amount of urine you void. Reviewing and comparing actually helps reinforce the bladder training process.

Contact your gynaecologist for a personalized care plan.

Comments

Period Peace of Mind: Your Ultimate Travel Kit Checklist

Getting your period while traveling can sometimes feel like an unexpected complication. However, with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to derail your trip! A well-stocked period kit is a travel essential, whether your period is due or not. Here’s what we recommend you pack to ensure comfort and confidence, no matter where your adventures take you: 1. Your Essentials: Protection & Hygiene * Your Preferred Products: Pack enough tampons , pads , menstrual cups , or period underwear for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' worth. Remember, what’s easily available at home might be harder to find abroad. * Pain Relief: Include your usual over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen or naproxen ) for cramps. Don't rely on finding a specific brand quickly in a new place. * Hygiene Wipes (Unscented): Small, individually wrapped, unscented wipes are excellent for a quick refresh when you can't shower or have limited access to clean water. * Small, Seal...

Ovarian Cysts: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Understanding, Symptoms & Solutions

Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence for many women, often causing a mix of confusion and concern. While the term "cyst" might sound alarming, most ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and resolve on their own. However, understanding their symptoms, how they're diagnosed, and the available treatment options is crucial for your peace of mind and overall health. What Exactly Are Ovarian Cysts? An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pocket within or on the surface of an ovary. Ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs on each side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Most cysts develop as a normal part of your menstrual cycle and are known as "functional cysts." Less commonly, cysts can be caused by other conditions or develop for reasons unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Recognizing the Symptoms: When to Pay Attention Often, ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are discovered incidentally during a pelvic exam or im...

Navigating Weight Loss: A Gynaecologist's Perspective for Women in India

Weight management is a significant concern for many women, impacting not just their overall well-being but also their hormonal balance and reproductive health. In India, where cultural nuances and lifestyle factors play a crucial role, understanding the available weight loss options is essential. Here's a balanced perspective on some commonly discussed avenues, including neutraceuticals and prescription medications like GLP-1 Analogues, Metformin , and the newer Tirzepatide . Neutraceuticals These over-the-counter supplements often promise miraculous weight loss with natural ingredients. While they might seem appealing due to their easy accessibility and perceived safety, it's crucial to approach them with caution. The scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is often weak, and regulatory oversight can be less stringent. Many contain herbal extracts or combinations that may interact with other medications or have unforeseen side effects. My advice? Always consult y...

Search This Blog