Bladder Training, Bladder Diary
What is bladder training?
Bladder training is a first-line behavioral therapy recommended for urge urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).
In which cases is bladder training recommended?
- urgent need to urinate
- frequent urination
- overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)
- mixed urinary incontinence
- urge urinary incontinence
When can bladder training be started?
- after ruling out a urinary tract infection
- after assessing conscious control of the pelvic floor muscles
- after completing a bladder diary
The bladder diary can be downloaded HERE: Bladder Diary PDF
How does bladder training help?
Bladder training helps improve bladder control, change unhealthy voiding habits, and regulate fluid intake. Its goal is to increase the time between voids, reduce the frequency of urination, and improve bladder capacity.
How should bladder training be performed?
- perform the training only during the daytime
- based on the completed bladder diary, go to the toilet at intervals determined by your specialist or physiotherapist
- initially aim to extend the usual interval between voids by 10–15 minutes
- try to urinate at the scheduled time even if you do not feel the urge
- do not rush to the toilet immediately, even if a strong urge occurs earlier than planned
- try to distract yourself, start another activity, or focus on your breathing
- after 3–4 days, the interval can be increased by another 10–15 minutes if no urine leakage or accidental urine loss has occurred
- continue increasing the interval between voids until it reaches approximately 3 hours
- avoid consuming large amounts of fluids within 2 hours before bedtime
- it is recommended to combine bladder training with pelvic floor muscle exercises
When can improvement be expected?
Improvement requires patience and persistence. The benefits of bladder training usually become noticeable after 6–12 weeks.
What should be done after completing bladder training?
Complete the bladder diary again for 3 consecutive days, then return to your treating physician and/or physiotherapist.
More information about bladder training is available on the website of the International Urogynecological Association: Bladder Training Information (Hungarian)
When may keeping a bladder diary be necessary?
- in case of sudden, urgent urinary urgency
- in case of frequent nighttime urination
- in case of involuntary urine leakage