Treatment: Step 1

Weight loss: 10% weight loss can improve incontinence by 50%

Dietary changes:

• eliminate caffeine, alcohol, smoking
• eliminate fluids after supper
• test elimating different foods such as corn syrup, soda, artificial sweetener, citrus and high acid foods

Bladder retraining: works well with urge or mixed incontinence

1. Scheduled voiding: e.g. every 2 hours then increase by 30 minutes daily.  Goal is voinding every 4-6 hours.
2. Relaxation: With urge incontinence, breath deeply during urgency to urinate and imagine the bladder like a clenched fist relaxing.  Once the sensation subsides then get up and go to the bathroom and void.

Pelvic floor muscle strengthening: Kegel exercises

• Contract pelvic floor muscles slowly and hold 8 seconds
• Repeat 10 times for 3 sets
• Do Kegel sets 4-5 x a week.
• Continue for 4-5 months.

Biofeedback: helps teach pelvic floor muscle retraining.  Consult a urologist, nurse, or physical therapist who specialize in incontinence biofeedback training.