Bladder training in ambulatory care management of urinary incontinence

Abstract

Bladder training is an effective method of managing stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence in the outpatient setting that is relatively free of patient risks and burden. Provided a comprehensive clinical assessment is performed to rule our other contributing pathology, urodynamic evaluation does not seem a prerequisite to selection of this treatment approach. Bladder training is easy to implement in the clinical setting, does not require special equipment, and offers the opportunity for cure or significant improvement to many incontinent individuals. We are continuing in our research efforts to document the effectiveness of behavioral therapy in the management of urinary incontinence in noninstitutionalized populations. Our goal is to develop improved behavioral techniques with better targeting of patients who will be most likely to achieve the greatest benefit from them.