What role do bladder training and pelvic floor exercises play in the m

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Bladder training is recommended as a first-line treatment for women with urgency or mixed urinary incontinence, lasting for a minimum of 6 weeks, to help manage overactive bladder symptoms .

Pelvic floor exercises, specifically pelvic floor muscle training, are part of lifestyle interventions and are recommended to be offered as a first-line treatment, with programmes comprising at least 8 contractions performed 3 times per day .

Pelvic floor muscle training aims to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, and relaxation, which can help reduce urgency and incontinence episodes associated with overactive bladder .

Key References

NG123 - Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management
CG148 - Urinary incontinence in neurological disease: assessment and management
NG210 - Pelvic floor dysfunction: prevention and non-surgical management

What role do bladder training and pelvic floor exercises play in the management of overactive bladder?

Key References

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