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Bladder Retraining Programs

© Lisa Griggs

One of the most common symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis is urinary frequency, the need to urinate very often, even when the bladder isn't full. Once the cycle starts, it quickly becomes a "habit," and it is very difficult to stop. With the feeling of urgency, it is normal to want to release the urine, to do anything to achieve relief. However, the frequent voiding can lead to more severe problems. The bladder muscle weakens and is able to hold less, which only adds to the original problem. Frequency becomes greater, and in many cases the problem gets out of hand. Many patients with bladder problems feel the need, or are instructed by their doctors, to drink large quantities of water each day. This may be necessary for the health of the patient, but it also makes delaying urination more difficult.

With IC, or any other case where frequency is a problem, one of the first treatments your doctor may recommend is a bladder retraining program. This is basically a self-help method designed to restore the bladder's capacity to store urine. This approach is popular because it is non-invasive, but it does require patience and determination on the part of the patient. As with any therapy, the patient's progress is closely monitored by a doctor. This process is not a quick fix. In fact, it generally takes several months for the patient to notice significant improvement. This method requires a great deal of patience not only from the patient, but from the physician as well. A doctor who recommends this treatment should be willing to spend quite a bit of time with the patient, providing encouragement, noting any improvement (or lack of it), and making sure that the patient understands the program completely, and is following the instructions. With perseverance and support, the end result can be partial to complete relief for the patient.

The goals of a bladder retraining program are to lessen pain and frequency, strengthen the bladder muscle, and increase urinary capacity. There are many different methods to achieve this. Basically, the patient is put on a "schedule," urinating at specific intervals throughout the day. This new schedule would depend on the patient's current voiding pattern, with the goal being to gradually lengthen the amount of time between voids. If the need to urinate is felt before the specified time has elapsed, the patient is encouraged to try to delay urination if possible. With time, many patients find that after waiting a short period of time, the need to urinate diminishes or disappears completely.

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