What is bladder training, and what are its key steps?

• A. A technique to treat urge and mixed incontinence by scheduling regular voiding, gradually increasing intervals, and keeping a voiding diary.
• B. A surgical procedure to increase bladder capacity.
• C. A pharmacologic therapy that reduces urine production.
• D. A physical therapy to strengthen abdominal muscles.

Answer: (A)

Bladder training is a noninvasive behavioral approach to reduce urgency and leakage by teaching the bladder to hold urine longer and by using a structured voiding routine. The key steps are to start with a regular voiding schedule based on your current urination pattern, then gradually extend the time between voids as you can comfortably hold urine. A voiding diary is kept to record when you void, any urges, and leakage, which helps tailor the schedule and track progress. The goal is to suppress the urge until the scheduled time and slowly increase bladder capacity over several weeks. This method is nonpharmacologic and non-surgical, unlike the other options which describe drugs, surgery, or non–bladder-focused physical therapy.