If you have symptoms of stress incontinence or an overactive bladder, you may assume that so many visits to the bathroom are just another sign of aging, and one that you have to accept. Studies have shown that eight out of ten women believe that stress incontinence is a normal part of aging. They are wrong.

Even though urinary incontinence is common it occurs in at least one out of every three women over 50, it is not something you have to accept. If you have symptoms of stress incontinence or urge incontinence (leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising, or the inability to make it to the toilet before letting go of your urine), there are several behavioural techniques you can try before visiting your doctor.

One very simple behavioural technique to consider is bladder training or retraining. Bladder training or retraining is teaching your bladder to resist the urge and delaying the time between trips to the bathroom. The underlying rationale here is that your bladder can become so used to going to the bathroom often that it can’t do anything else. Your bladder is sending a “full” message, giving you the urge to pee, even when it is not full.

Want to know how to train your bladder and regain control of it? Don't miss our next article where we will show three simple steps to train your bladder.