1. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures
2. Urinary Incontinence in Men Slideshow Pictures
3. Food & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Dennis Lee, MD

Dennis Lee, MD

Dr. Lee was born in Shanghai, China, and received his college and medical training in the United States. He is fluent in English and three Chinese dialects. He graduated with chemistry departmental honors from Harvey Mudd College. He was appointed president of AOA society at UCLA School of Medicine. He underwent internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• What is an overactive bladder?
• What are the causes of overactive bladder?
• Are there any risk factors for overactive bladder?
• What are symptoms of an overactive bladder?
• How is overactive bladder diagnosed?
• What are treatments for an overactive bladder?
• What is the role of medications in treating overactive bladder?
• What are treatments for the chronically incontinent?
• What measures can be taken at home to prevent overactive bladder symptoms?
• What are some of the complications of overactive bladder?
• What is the prognosis for overactive bladder?
• Overactive Bladder At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Overactive Bladder - Treatments
• Find a local Urologist in your town
• Overactive Bladder Index

The treatment for overactive bladder depends on the capabilities of the patient. Generally, treatment can be behavioral retraining, pharmacological (medications), and surgical.

Here are commonly recommended treatments.

Pelvic muscle rehabilitation to improve pelvic muscle tone and prevent leakage

• Kegel exercises: Regular, daily exercising of pelvic muscles can improve, and even prevent, urinary incontinence. This is particularly helpful for younger women. These exercises should be performed 30-80 times daily for at least eight weeks. These exercises are thought to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and urethra which can support the opening to the bladder to prevent incontinence. Their success depends on practicing the proper technique and the recommended frequency.



• Biofeedback: Used in conjunction with Kegel exercises, biofeedback helps people gain awareness and control of their pelvic muscles.



• Vaginal weight training: Small weights are held within the vagina by tightening the vaginal muscles. These exercises should be performed for 15 minutes, twice daily, for four to six weeks.



• Pelvic-floor electrical stimulation: Mild electrical pulses stimulate muscle contractions. This should be done in conjunction with Kegel exercises.

Behavioral therapies to help people regain control of their bladder

• Bladder training teaches people to resist the urge to void and gradually expand the intervals between voiding.



• Toileting assistance uses routine or scheduled toileting, habit-training schedules, and prompted voiding to empty the bladder regularly to prevent leaking.