Kegel Exercises, Dietary and Behavioral Modifications: Simple Strategies for Getting Started

Abstract

Despite many recent pharmacological and surgical advances in urogynecology, a variety of nonmedical, non-operative strategies still represent the best first-line approach for many patients. The most common goal of behavioral treatments is to improve bladder control through systematic changes in patient behavior and environmental conditions. The primary behavioral treatment for stress incontinence, for instance, is pelvic floor muscle training and exercise. For fecal incontinence, the most effective behavioral treatment, in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise, may include dietary alterations—such as increased dietary fiber—and bowel habit retraining. A number of behavioral treatments are commonly implemented for overactive bladder, including bladder drill and bladder training, pelvic muscle exercises, urge-suppression techniques, selfmonitoring, and dietary and fluid alterations.