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What do I do About Bladder Weakness?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Bladder weakness, also known as urinary incontinence, is a problem that affects millions of people every day. It is a fairly common problem, especially as people age. Enlarged prostates in older males and a decrease in estrogen in women can both lead to bladder control problems. It is estimated that as many as one out of every three women over 40 who have had children suffer from some level of bladder weakness. Women who have recently given birth may also have a problem with urinary incontinence.

One of the main causes of bladder weakness is weak pelvic floor muscles. Kegels, a simple exercise that can be performed anywhere, are one of the best ways to treat this condition. The best time to learn how to do Kegels is while urinating. Stop your urine mid-stream, concentrating on the clenched feeling and the muscles involved. Later, you can do this same move to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by squeezing and holding the muscles for extended periods of time, and then in short bursts.

A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.

There are many medical options for treating bladder weakness. Medications work to suppress untimely bladder contractions before the bladder is full. For some women, taking estrogen can help to increase bladder control. There are also bladder medications that help to strengthen pelvic muscles. Another medical option is surgery, although this is only used in more serious cases of bladder weakness.

The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.
The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.

There are several non-medical options for treating bladder control options. There are many homeopathic methods that have proved to be effective. Yoga and meditation can improve your ability to keep you in tune with your body, allowing you to have a better sense of what your bladder is doing. Some people have also found acupuncture to be beneficial for treating bladder weakness. Biofeedback, or the use of instruments to learn how to better respond to your body, is another option. This can be used to help teach patients the correct method of practicing Kegels.

One of the main causes of bladder weakness is weak pelvic floor muscles.
One of the main causes of bladder weakness is weak pelvic floor muscles.

If you think that you or a loved one may have a problem with bladder weakness, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluations. There are many treatment options available for urinary continence that can be explored, from medical interventions to exercise and dietary changes and the use of homeopathic treatments. By working closely with a certified physician, it is possible to develop a treatment course that will best fit the individual needs of each patient.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bmuse

I’d love to hear from someone who has tried acupuncture for *mild* bladder leakage. I had my prostate removed last year and am still leaking. I’ve tried a few things, like Kegels, and they’ve helped but not cured the problem. I’d be willing to try acupuncture if I heard some positive feedback from someone who’s tried it.

dagaZ

@anon49474 - Do Kegel exercises! I was having a problem with my bladder leaking when I laughed or sneezed. I started doing Kegels every day in the car while I drove to and from work. It worked for me and now I don’t have the problem.

Apunkin

@anon49474- I’ve heard of two methods to help control the bladder.

One involves taking in more liquids and then ‘holding it’ as long as you can before you go to the bathroom. The idea is that you increase the size of the bladder, eventually making you able to hold your urine longer and without a problem.

The second method involves putting yourself on a schedule by going at the same times every day. So in your case you could set your cell phone to go off every two hours or so, to remind you to use the bathroom.

I hope that helps!

anon49474

I am 21 years old, and very fit and healthy.I have a very weak bladder and i don't get any warning before i need to go for a wee. I some times can't get to the loo in time. When i was 12 my mum took me to the doctors to see if they could help and they said to do the exercises like stop midstream, but i don't seem to do that. Can anyone help me with this. As it is becoming a problem for me.

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    • A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
      By: kocakayaali
      A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
    • The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.
      By: 3drenderings
      The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.
    • One of the main causes of bladder weakness is weak pelvic floor muscles.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      One of the main causes of bladder weakness is weak pelvic floor muscles.
    • An enlarged prostate in men may cause bladder problems.
      By: tomschoumakers
      An enlarged prostate in men may cause bladder problems.
    • The best time to learn how to do Kegels is while urinating.
      By: Chatchai
      The best time to learn how to do Kegels is while urinating.