nih-gov/www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention
2025-02-26 13:17:41 -05:00

678 lines
No EOL
52 KiB
Text
Raw Blame History

This file contains ambiguous Unicode characters

This file contains Unicode characters that might be confused with other characters. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

<!doctype html>
<html lang="en-US">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge">
<title>Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) & Bladder Health - NIDDK</title>
<meta name="msvalidate.01" content="7FEF9D64C9916EC9393EB5B21BD0037E">
<meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no">
<link rel="icon" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/favicon.ico">
<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/images/apple-touch-icon.png">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.google-analytics.com">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com">
<link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://www.google-analytics.com">
<link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com">
<link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://dap.digitalgov.gov">
<link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://livechat.niddk.nih.gov">
<link rel="preload" as="font" type="font/woff2" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/fonts/merriweather-v30-latin-regular.woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" as="font" type="font/woff2" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/fonts/open-sans-v29-latin-regular.woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" as="font" type="font/woff2" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/fonts/open-sans-v29-latin-600.woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" as="font" type="font/woff2" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/fonts/open-sans-v29-latin-700.woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" as="font" type="font/woff2" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/fonts/montserrat-v24-latin-regular.woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" as="font" type="font/woff2" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/fonts/dki.woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" as="fetch" href="/_internal/livechat/livechatstatus?id=53167ee6-edf2-4f4c-844b-9d5e8d57705e" id="_lcstatuslink" crossorigin>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="print" onload="this.media='all'" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/slick-carousel/slick.min.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" media="print" onload="this.media='all'" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/jquery-scrolltabs/scrolltabs.min.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" media="print" onload="this.media='all'" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/magnific-popup/magnific-popup.min.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" media="print" onload="this.media='all'" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/tablesaw/tablesaw.min.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/niddk-web.css">
<noscript><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/styles/niddk-nojs.css"></noscript>
<link href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention" rel="canonical" />
<meta name="description" content="Tips to help prevent bladder problems in women and men, including eating and drinking right, keeping a healthy weight, and improving your bathroom habits." />
<meta name="keywords" content="Bladder control problems prevention, urinary incontinence prevention, UI prevention, pelvic floor muscle exercises, Kegel exercises" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention">
<meta property="og:type" content="article" />
<meta property="og:title" content="Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) &amp; Bladder Health - NIDDK" />
<meta property="og:description" content="Tips to help prevent bladder problems in women and men, including eating and drinking right, keeping a healthy weight, and improving your bathroom habits." />
<meta property="og:image" content="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/-/media/Images/Components/Default-Social-Media-Images/Health-Information-Card-ALT3.png" />
<meta property="og:site_name" content="National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases" />
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" />
<meta name="twitter:site:id" content="1901405066" />
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) &amp; Bladder Health - NIDDK" />
<meta name="twitter:description" content="Tips to help prevent bladder problems in women and men, including eating and drinking right, keeping a healthy weight, and improving your bathroom habits." />
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/-/media/Images/Components/Default-Social-Media-Images/Health-Information-Card-ALT3.png" />
<script>
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
dataLayer.push({"pageID":"53167ee6-edf2-4f4c-844b-9d5e8d57705e","topicID":"0025","topicName":"Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence)","pagePath":"/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention","pageTitle":"Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) & Bladder Health","pageDiseaseArea":"Urologic Diseases","pageLanguage":"English","lastReviewedDate":"2021-07-14"});
</script>
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) &amp;amp; Bladder Health",
"description": "Tips to help prevent bladder problems in women and men, including eating and drinking right, keeping a healthy weight, and improving your bathroom habits.",
"url": "https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention",
"datePublished": "2024-12-13 16:00:34 -05:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-13 16:00:34 -05:00",
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases",
"logo": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://www.niddk.nih.gov/-/media/Images/Components/common/site-logo-full.svg"
}
}
}
</script>
<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MBRL4D');</script></head>
<body itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/MedicalWebPage" class="page-lang-en">
<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MBRL4D" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden" name="Google Tag Manager" title="Google Tag Manager"></iframe></noscript>
<div class="site-wrap">
<header class="site-header">
<a href="#main" class="skip-link">Skip to main content</a>
<div class="site-alerts">
</div>
<section class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government">
<div class="usa-accordion grid">
<div class="usa-banner__header">
<div class="usa-banner__inner">
<div class="usa-banner__inner-flag">
<img class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAALCAMAAABBPP0LAAAAG1BMVEUdM7EeNLIeM7HgQCDaPh/bPh/bPx/////bPyBEby41AAAAUElEQVQI123MNw4CABDEwD3jC/9/MQ1BQrgeOSkIqYe2o2FZtthXgQLgbHVMZdlsfUQFQnHtjP1+8BUhBDKOqtmfot6ojqPzR7TjdU+f6vkED+IDPhTBcMAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" alt="U.S. flag">
</div>
<div class="usa-banner__inner-text">
<p class="usa-banner__header-text">An official website of the United States government</p>
<p class="usa-banner__header-action" aria-hidden="true">Heres how you know</p>
</div>
<button type="button" class="usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner">
<span class="usa-banner__button-text">Heres how you know</span>
</button>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner" hidden>
<div class="usa-banner__guidance">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" width="64" height="64" viewBox="0 0 64 64"><title>Official government website icon</title><path fill="#2378C3" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M32 0c17.673 0 32 14.327 32 32 0 17.673-14.327 32-32 32C14.327 64 0 49.673 0 32 0 14.327 14.327 0 32 0zm0 1.208C14.994 1.208 1.208 14.994 1.208 32S14.994 62.792 32 62.792 62.792 49.006 62.792 32 49.006 1.208 32 1.208zm10.59 38.858a.857.857 0 0 1 .882.822v1.642H18.886v-1.642a.857.857 0 0 1 .882-.822H42.59zM25.443 27.774v9.829h1.642v-9.83h3.273v9.83H32v-9.83h3.272v9.83h1.643v-9.83h3.272v9.83h.76a.857.857 0 0 1 .882.821v.821h-21.3v-.809a.857.857 0 0 1 .88-.82h.762v-9.842h3.272zm5.736-8.188l12.293 4.915v1.642h-1.63a.857.857 0 0 1-.882.822H21.41a.857.857 0 0 1-.882-.822h-1.642v-1.642l12.293-4.915z" /></svg>
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Official websites use .gov</strong>
<br>
A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-banner__guidance">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" width="64" height="64" viewBox="0 0 64 64"><title>icon-https</title><path fill="#719F2A" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M32 0c17.673 0 32 14.327 32 32 0 17.673-14.327 32-32 32C14.327 64 0 49.673 0 32 0 14.327 14.327 0 32 0zm0 1.208C14.994 1.208 1.208 14.994 1.208 32S14.994 62.792 32 62.792 62.792 49.006 62.792 32 49.006 1.208 32 1.208zm0 18.886a7.245 7.245 0 0 1 7.245 7.245v3.103h.52c.86 0 1.557.698 1.557 1.558v9.322c0 .86-.697 1.558-1.557 1.558h-15.53c-.86 0-1.557-.697-1.557-1.558V32c0-.86.697-1.558 1.557-1.558h.52V27.34A7.245 7.245 0 0 1 32 20.094zm0 3.103a4.142 4.142 0 0 0-4.142 4.142v3.103h8.284V27.34A4.142 4.142 0 0 0 32 23.197z" /></svg>
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong>
<br>
A <strong>lock</strong> (
<span class="icon-lock">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewbox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-title banner-lock-description" focusable="false">
<title id="banner-lock-title">Lock</title>
<desc id="banner-lock-description">Locked padlock icon</desc>
<path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z" />
</svg>
</span>
) or <strong>https://</strong> means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<div class="stripe-brand">
<div class="dk-brand-wrap">
<div class="dk-site-logos">
<a href="/" title="NIDDK home page">
<img src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/images/site-logos.svg#full" width="300" height="67" class="desktop" alt="NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases" />
<img src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/images/site-logos.svg#abbrev" width="150" height="34" class="mobile" alt="NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases" />
</a>
<a href="/about-niddk/75th-anniversary" title="NIDDK 75th Anniversary">
<img src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/images/site-logos.svg#full75" width="63" height="67" class="desktop" alt="75 years: 1950-2025" />
<img src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/images/site-logos.svg#abbrev75" width="35" height="30" class="mobile" alt="75 years: 1950-2025" />
</a>
</div>
<div class="dk-site-mobile-toolbar">
<button type="button" class="mobile-site-search"><i class="i-search"></i>Search</button>
<button type="button" class="dk-nav-menu"><i class="i-menu"></i>Menu</button>
</div>
<form class="dk-site-search" id="site-search" action="/search" method="GET" aria-label="Site search">
<button type="button" class="close-mobile-site-search" aria-label="Close search"><i class="i-times"></i></button>
<div class="site-search-info">Search for Information from NIDDK</div>
<button type="button" class="ss-options" title="Change search scope" aria-label="Select scope" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="site-search-opts">
<i class="i-angle-down" aria-hidden="true"></i>
</button>
<ul id="site-search-opts" role="menu" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Scope options">
<li role="menuitemradio" aria-checked="true" data-value="all">Entire Site</li>
<li role="menuitemradio" aria-checked="false" data-value="research">Research &amp; Funding</li>
<li role="menuitemradio" aria-checked="false" data-value="health-info">Health Information</li>
<li role="menuitemradio" aria-checked="false" data-value="news">News</li>
<li role="menuitemradio" aria-checked="false" data-value="about">About NIDDK</li>
</ul>
<input type="hidden" name="s" value="all" />
<input type="text" name="q" placeholder="Search Entire Site…" aria-label="Site search terms" />
<button type="submit" class="ss-go" title="Search Entire Site">Search</button>
</form>
</div>
</div>
<nav class="dk-site-nav sticky" aria-label="Site">
<div class="grid" role="presentation">
<div class="sn-bar" role="list" aria-owns="dk_sn0 dk_sn1 dk_sn2 dk_sn3 dk_sn4">
<div id="dk_sn0" class="sn-home" role="listitem">
<div class="sn-section-title">
<a href="/" class="dk-logo">Home</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="sn-sections-wrap" role="presentation">
<div class="sn-sections" role="presentation">
<div id="dk_sn1" class="sn-section" role="listitem">
<input id="dk_snexpand1" type="checkbox" class="sn-chk-expand"/>
<div class="sn-section-title">
<a href="/research-funding"><span>Research &amp; Funding</span></a>
<label for="dk_snexpand1" class="sn-lbl-expand">Expand Research &amp; Funding</label>
</div>
<div class="sn-subsections" role="list">
<div class="sn-collapsible">
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/current-opportunities">Current Funding Opportunities</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/research-programs">Research Programs &amp; Contacts</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/human-subjects-research">Human Subjects Research</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/process">Funding Process</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/training-career-development">Research Training &amp; Career Development</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/funded-grants-grant-history">Funded Grants &amp; Grant History</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/research-resources">Research Resources</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/at-niddk">Research at NIDDK</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/research-funding/technology-advancement-transfer">Technology Advancement &amp; Transfer</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/news/meetings-workshops">Meetings &amp; Workshops</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="dk_sn2" class="sn-section current" role="listitem">
<input id="dk_snexpand2" type="checkbox" class="sn-chk-expand"/>
<div class="sn-section-title">
<a href="/health-information"><span>Health Information</span></a>
<label for="dk_snexpand2" class="sn-lbl-expand">Expand Health Information</label>
</div>
<div class="sn-subsections" role="list">
<div class="sn-collapsible">
<div role="group" class="sn-subgroup" aria-labelledby="dk_snsg0">
<div id="dk_snsg0" class="sn-subgroup-title" role="presentation">Health Topics</div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/diabetes">Diabetes</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/digestive-diseases">Digestive Diseases</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/kidney-disease">Kidney Disease</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/weight-management">Weight Management</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/liver-disease">Liver Disease</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases">Urologic Diseases</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/endocrine-diseases">Endocrine Diseases</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/diet-nutrition">Diet &amp; Nutrition</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/blood-diseases">Blood Diseases</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/diagnostic-tests">Diagnostic Tests</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud">La informaci&#243;n de la salud en espa&#241;ol</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/health-statistics">Health Statistics</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/clinical-trials">Clinical Trials</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/professionals">For Health Professionals</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice">Diabetes Discoveries &amp; Practice Blog</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/health-information/community-health-outreach">Community Health &amp; Outreach</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="dk_sn3" class="sn-section" role="listitem">
<input id="dk_snexpand3" type="checkbox" class="sn-chk-expand"/>
<div class="sn-section-title">
<a href="/news"><span>News</span></a>
<label for="dk_snexpand3" class="sn-lbl-expand">Expand News</label>
</div>
<div class="sn-subsections" role="list">
<div class="sn-collapsible">
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/news/archive">News Archive</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/news/for-reporters">For Reporters</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/news/meetings-workshops">Meetings &amp; Workshops</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/news/media-library">Media Library</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/news/follow-us">Follow Us</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="dk_sn4" class="sn-section" role="listitem">
<input id="dk_snexpand4" type="checkbox" class="sn-chk-expand"/>
<div class="sn-section-title">
<a href="/about-niddk"><span>About NIDDK</span></a>
<label for="dk_snexpand4" class="sn-lbl-expand">Expand About NIDDK</label>
</div>
<div class="sn-subsections" role="list">
<div class="sn-collapsible">
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/meet-director">Meet the Director</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/offices-divisions">Offices &amp; Divisions</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/staff-directory">Staff Directory</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/budget-legislative-information">Budget &amp; Legislative Information</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/advisory-coordinating-committees">Advisory &amp; Coordinating Committees</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/strategic-plans-reports">Strategic Plans &amp; Reports</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/research-areas">Research Areas</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/faqs">FAQs</a></div>
</div>
<div role="presentation">
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/jobs">Jobs at NIDDK</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/visit-us">Visit Us</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/contact-us">Contact Us</a></div>
<div role="listitem"><a href="/about-niddk/75th-anniversary">NIDDK 75th Anniversary</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</nav>
<div class="balloon"></div>
</header>
<main id="main">
<div class="grid dk-two-column">
<div class="dk-breadcrumb-row">
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement" : [
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 1,
"name": "Home",
"item": "https://www.niddk.nih.gov"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 2,
"name": "Health Information",
"item": "https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 3,
"name": "Urologic Diseases",
"item": "https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 4,
"name": "Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence)",
"item": "https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 5,
"name": "Prevention"
}
]
}
</script>
<div class="dk-breadcrumbs">
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/"><span>Home</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/health-information"><span>Health Information</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases"><span>Urologic Diseases</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems"><span>Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence)</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<span>Prevention</span>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<button type="button" class="context-menu-button">Related Topics</button>
<div class="dk-language-dropdown">
<button type="button" name="options" title="Show alternate languages for this page" aria-label="Alternate languages" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="language-picker-opts">
<span class="language">English</span>
</button>
<ul id="language-picker-opts" role="menu" aria-hidden="true">
<li role="menuitem" class="current"><a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention">English</a></li>
<li role="menuitem"><a href="/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud/enfermedades-urologicas/problemas-control-vejiga-incontinencia-urinaria/prevencion">Espa&#241;ol</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="dk-main-container">
<nav class="dk-leftnav" aria-label="Section navigation">
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems" aria-description="Parent page">Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence)</a>
<ul>
<li class="ln-collapsed">
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/definition-facts">Definition &amp; Facts</a>
</li>
<li class="ln-collapsed">
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/symptoms-causes">Symptoms &amp; Causes</a>
</li>
<li class="ln-collapsed">
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/diagnosis">Diagnosis</a>
</li>
<li class="ln-collapsed">
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/treatment">Treatment</a>
</li>
<li class="ln-current">
<span>Prevention</span>
</li>
<li class="ln-collapsed">
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/clinical-trials">Clinical Trials</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
<article class="dk-content">
<h1 itemprop="name">Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) & Bladder Health</h1>
<div class="health-detail-content">
<h2>How can I prevent bladder control problems?</h2>
<p>You cant always prevent bladder control problems such as <a href="/Dictionary/U/urinary-incontinence" class="dictionary-term">urinary incontinence</a> (UI), but good habits can keep your <a href="/Dictionary/B/bladder" class="dictionary-term">bladder</a> as healthy as possible.</p>
<h3>Follow a healthy eating plan</h3>
<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.choosemyplate.gov/" target="_blank">Healthy eating</a> may prevent factors that raise your chances of developing UI, such as <a href="/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity">obesity</a> and <a href="/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes">diabetes</a>. No direct scientific evidence links nutrition to making UI better or worse.</p>
<p>Many people find that alcohol; spicy foods; chocolate; artificial sweeteners; caffeinated, carbonated, and citrus beverages; and high-acid foods, such as citrus and tomatoes, may contribute to bladder irritation and <a href="/Dictionary/I/inflammation" class="dictionary-term">inflammation</a>, which can sometimes lead to UI. You may want to avoid these foods and drinks for a time to see if your symptoms improve. A registered <a href="/Dictionary/D/dietitian" class="dictionary-term">dietitian</a>&nbsp;can <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert" target="_blank">help you plan meals</a> if youre trying to avoid certain foods that make your UI worse.</p>
<h3 id="drink">Drink enough liquids</h3>
<p>Drink enough liquids so you need to urinate every few hours. Learn whats normal for you and avoid becoming <a href="/Dictionary/D/dehydration" class="dictionary-term">dehydrated</a>. Your <a href="/Dictionary/U/urine" class="dictionary-term">urine</a>&nbsp;should be pale yellow if you are drinking enough liquids. Talk with your health care professional about how much liquid you should drink based on your size, activity level, and where you live. Water is best. However, if you have <a href="/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure">kidney failure</a>&nbsp;or <a href="/Dictionary/H/heart-failure" class="dictionary-term">heart failure</a>, you should not drink too much water.</p>
<figure class="large center">
<img src="/-/media/Images/Health-Information/Urologic/Bladder_Control_Problems_Graphic_660x202.png" alt="A series of urine samples. Light-colored urine is normal. Deep-yellow urine suggests dehydration. Dark brown or orange urine suggests severe dehydration or liver disease. Urine that is pink suggests blood in the urine or having eaten beets. Odd urine color may also be caused by eating foods with large amounts of dyes." />
<figcaption>Drink enough liquids so you need to urinate every few hours. Your urine should be pale yellow if you are drinking enough liquids.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>Keep a healthy weight</h3>
<figure class="right medium"><img src="/-/media/Images/Health-Information/Urologic/two_women_eating_330x220.png" alt="Two women eat a healthy meal in a kitchen." /> <figcaption>
<div class="caption">Eating healthy to achieve a healthy weight may prevent urinary incontinence.</div>
</figcaption></figure>
<p>If youre <a href="/Dictionary/O/overweight" class="dictionary-term">overweight</a>&nbsp;or have obesity, losing weight may improve your UI, and <a href="/health-information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program">keeping a healthy weight</a>&nbsp;may prevent UI. If youre overweight, talk with your health care professional about how to lose weight by eating healthy and being physically active. Your chances of developing UI and other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, increase if you have obesity. Managing obesity and diabetes may lessen UI, especially in women.<sup>7</sup></p>
<h3>Change your bathroom habits</h3>
<p>Go to the bathroom when you need to go. Often, people hold their urine in because its not a convenient time to go to the bathroom. However, regularly holding urine in can wear out your bladder muscles. Youre also more likely to develop a <a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults">bladder infection</a>&nbsp;if you hold urine in. Bladder infections can cause UI.</p>
<p>Women should try to relax the muscles around their bladder when they urinate to make it easier to go. Its best to sit on the toilet seat or in a full crouching squat. Hovering over a toilet seat to avoid touching it does not allow the muscles to fully relax, and urine may be left in the bladder. Take as much time as you need to urinate and fully empty your bladder.</p>
<h3>Quit smoking</h3>
<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://smokefree.gov/" target="_blank">Quitting smoking</a> at any age is good for your bladder health and overall health. Smoking raises your chances of developing <a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/definition-facts#stress">stress incontinence</a>, because smoking causes coughing. Smoking also causes most cases of <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder" target="_self">bladder cancer</a>. Some people say smoking makes their bladder irritation worse.</p>
<h3>Avoid constipation</h3>
<p><a href="/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation">Constipation</a> can make <a href="/Dictionary/U/urinary-tract" class="dictionary-term">urinary tract</a>&nbsp;health worse and can lead to UI. To prevent constipation, eat plenty of high-<a href="/Dictionary/F/fiber" class="dictionary-term">fiber</a> foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits; drink enough water; and be physically active. Medicines that health care professionals use to treat UI, such as anticholinergics, have side effects that include constipation.</p>
<h3>Do pelvic floor muscle exercises</h3>
<p><a href="/Dictionary/P/pelvic-floor-muscles" class="dictionary-term">Pelvic floor muscles</a> help hold urine in the bladder. Pelvic floor exercises, also called <a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/kegel-exercises">Kegel exercises</a>, can make those muscles stronger and help keep urine from leaking out when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or lift. Both men and women can benefit from pelvic floor muscle exercises.</p>
<h2>References</h2>
<aside class="references">
<p>[7] Markland AD, Richter HE, Fwu CW, Eggers P, Kusek JW. Prevalence and trends of urinary incontinence in adults in the United States, 2001 to 2008. <em>Journal of Urology</em>. 2011;186(2):589593. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2011.03.114</p>
</aside>
</div> <div class="dk-review-date">Last Reviewed July 2021</div>
<div id="d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" class="dk-share">
<span>Share<span class="sr-only"> this page</span></span>
<div class="dk-share-buttons" data-lang="en">
<button type="button" class="shr-print" title="Print this page" onclick="window.print();return false;">Print</button>
<a class="shr-facebook no-disclaimer" title="Share this page on Facebook" href="#share-d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook</a>
<a class="shr-x no-disclaimer" title="Post this page on X" href="#share-d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">X</a>
<a class="shr-email" title="Email this page" href="#share-d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" target="_self" rel="nofollow noopener">Email</a>
<button type="button" class="shr-more" title="More sharing options" aria-expanded="false">More Options</button>
<a class="shr-whatsapp no-disclaimer" title="Share this page via WhatsApp" href="#share-d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" target="_self" rel="nofollow noopener">WhatsApp</a>
<a class="shr-linkedin no-disclaimer" title="Share this page on LinkedIn" href="#share-d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">LinkedIn</a>
<a class="shr-reddit no-disclaimer" title="Share this page on Reddit" href="#share-d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Reddit</a>
<a class="shr-pinterest no-disclaimer" title="Share this page on Pinterest" href="#share-d84c66697ad94f5e9c04f7094cbb6e7f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Pinterest</a>
<button type="button" class="shr-copy" title="Copy a link for sharing to the clipboard">Copy Link</button>
</div>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/scripts/modules/social-share.js" type="module"></script>
</div>
<div class="previous-next " >
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/treatment">
<div>
<em>Previous:</em>
Treatment
</div>
</a>
<a href="/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/clinical-trials">
<div>
<em>Next:</em>
Clinical Trials
</div>
</a>
</div>
<div class="disclaimer">
<p>
This content is provided as a service of the <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/">National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases</a>
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.<br />
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</main>
<footer id="main-footer" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/GovernmentOrganization" itemid="https://www.niddk.nih.gov">
<meta itemprop="name" content="National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases">
<meta itemprop="alternateName" content="NIDDK">
<link itemprop="url" href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov">
<link itemprop="logo" href="/images/site-logo.png">
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institute_of_Diabetes_and_Digestive_and_Kidney_Diseases">
<span itemprop="address" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/PostalAddress">
<meta itemprop="name" content="NIDDK, NIH">
<meta itemprop="streetAddress" content="31 Center Drive, MSC 2560">
<meta itemprop="addressLocality" content="Bethesda">
<meta itemprop="addressRegion" content="MD">
<meta itemprop="addressCountry" content="US">
<meta itemprop="postalCode" content="20892-2560">
</span>
<section id="contact">
<div class="grid">
<h2>Contact Us</h2>
<div class="contact-flex v2">
<address itemprop="department" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/GovernmentOffice">
<meta itemprop="name" content="The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health Information Center" />
<link itemprop="url" href="/health-information" />
<link itemprop="image" href="/images/site-logo.png" />
<meta itemprop="telephone" content="+1-800-860-8747" />
<meta itemprop="openingHours" content="Mo-Fr 08:30-17:00" />
<meta itemprop="address" content="9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States" />
<div class="contact-time">
<i class="i-clock-o"></i>
<span>
<strong>Hours:</strong>
<time datetime="08:30">8:30 a.m.</time>
to
<time datetime="17:00">5 p.m.</time>
ET, Monday - Friday</span>
</div>
<a class="contact-email" href="mailto:healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov">
<i class="i-envelope-o"></i>
<span>
<strong>Email:</strong>
<span class="lnk" itemprop="email">healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov</span></span>
</a>
<a class="contact-mobile" href="tel:1-800-860-8747" itemprop="contactPoint" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ContactPoint">
<i class="i-mobile"></i>
<span>
<strong>Phone:</strong>
<span class="lnk" itemprop="telephone"><span class="hide">+</span>1-800-860-8747</span>
<meta itemprop="contactType" content="customer service" />
<meta itemprop="contactOption" content="TollFree" />
</span>
</a>
<a class="contact-tty" href="tel:711" itemprop="contactPoint" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ContactPoint">
<i class="i-tty"></i>
<span>
<strong>TTY:</strong>
<span class="lnk" itemprop="telephone"><span class="hide">+</span>711</span>
<meta itemprop="contactType" content="customer service" />
<meta itemprop="contactOption" content="HearingImpairedSupported" />
<meta itemprop="contactOption" content="TollFree" />
</span>
</a>
<div class="print-social">
<svg viewbox="0 0 600 100" fill="currentcolor">
<path d="M550,9.01c13.35,0,14.93.05,20.2.29,4.87.22,7.52,1.04,9.28,1.72,2.33.91,4,1.99,5.75,3.74,1.75,1.75,2.83,3.42,3.74,5.75.68,1.76,1.5,4.41,1.72,9.28.24,5.27.29,6.85.29,20.2s-.05,14.93-.29,20.2c-.22,4.87-1.04,7.52-1.72,9.28-.91,2.33-1.99,4-3.74,5.75-1.75,1.75-3.42,2.83-5.75,3.74-1.76.68-4.41,1.5-9.28,1.72-5.27.24-6.85.29-20.2.29s-14.93-.05-20.2-.29c-4.87-.22-7.52-1.04-9.28-1.72-2.33-.91-4-1.99-5.75-3.74-1.75-1.75-2.83-3.42-3.74-5.75-.68-1.76-1.5-4.41-1.72-9.28-.24-5.27-.29-6.85-.29-20.2s.05-14.93.29-20.2c.22-4.87,1.04-7.52,1.72-9.28.91-2.33,1.99-4,3.74-5.75,1.75-1.75,3.42-2.83,5.75-3.74,1.76-.68,4.41-1.5,9.28-1.72,5.27-.24,6.85-.29,20.2-.29h0ZM550,0c-13.58,0-15.28.06-20.62.3-5.32.24-8.96,1.09-12.14,2.32-3.29,1.28-6.08,2.99-8.86,5.77-2.78,2.78-4.49,5.57-5.77,8.85-1.24,3.18-2.08,6.82-2.32,12.14-.24,5.33-.3,7.04-.3,20.62s.06,15.28.3,20.62c.24,5.32,1.09,8.96,2.32,12.14,1.28,3.29,2.99,6.08,5.77,8.86,2.78,2.78,5.57,4.49,8.86,5.77,3.18,1.24,6.82,2.08,12.14,2.32,5.33.24,7.04.3,20.62.3s15.28-.06,20.62-.3c5.32-.24,8.96-1.09,12.14-2.32,3.29-1.28,6.08-2.99,8.86-5.77,2.78-2.78,4.49-5.57,5.77-8.86,1.24-3.18,2.08-6.82,2.32-12.14.24-5.33.3-7.04.3-20.62s-.06-15.28-.3-20.62c-.24-5.32-1.09-8.96-2.32-12.14-1.28-3.29-2.99-6.08-5.77-8.86-2.78-2.78-5.57-4.49-8.86-5.77-3.18-1.24-6.82-2.08-12.14-2.32C565.28.06,563.58,0,550,0h0ZM550,24.32c-14.18,0-25.67,11.5-25.67,25.67s11.49,25.67,25.67,25.67,25.67-11.49,25.67-25.67-11.49-25.67-25.67-25.67ZM550,66.66c-9.21,0-16.67-7.46-16.67-16.67s7.46-16.67,16.67-16.67,16.67,7.46,16.67,16.67-7.46,16.67-16.67,16.67ZM582.69,23.31c0,3.31-2.69,6-6,6s-6-2.69-6-6,2.69-6,6-6,6,2.69,6,6Z"></path>
<path d="M485.16,15.65c-1.61-6.13-6.45-10.97-12.58-12.66-11.05-2.98-55.4-2.98-55.4-2.98,0,0-44.35,0-55.48,2.98-6.13,1.61-10.89,6.45-12.58,12.66-2.9,11.13-2.9,34.36-2.9,34.36,0,0,0,23.23,2.98,34.35,1.61,6.13,6.45,10.97,12.58,12.66,11.05,2.98,55.4,2.98,55.4,2.98,0,0,44.35,0,55.48-2.98,6.13-1.61,10.89-6.45,12.58-12.66,2.9-11.13,2.9-34.35,2.9-34.35,0,0,0-23.23-2.98-34.35ZM402.66,71.13V28.87l37.1,21.13-37.1,21.13h0Z"></path>
<path d="M334.34,3v94c0,1.66-1.34,3-3,3h-27.99v-38.74h12.96l1.95-15.1h-14.91v-9.64c0-4.36,1.17-7.29,7.49-7.29l7.94-.07v-13.48c-1.37-.2-6.12-.59-11.59-.59-11.52,0-19.47,7.03-19.47,19.92v11.13h-13.02v15.1h13.02v38.74h-50.39c-1.66,0-3-1.34-3-3V3c0-1.66,1.34-3,3-3h94c1.66,0,3,1.34,3,3Z"></path>
<path d="M198.99,0h16.96l-37.07,42.36,43.61,57.64h-34.15l-26.73-34.97-30.6,34.97h-16.96l39.63-45.31L111.86,0h35l24.18,31.96L198.99,0ZM193.02,89.86h9.4L141.75,9.63h-10.09l61.36,80.23Z"></path>
<path d="M15.43,83.72h15.04v-45.18h-15.04v45.18ZM31.45,24.61c-.07-4.43-3.26-7.81-8.4-7.81s-8.53,3.39-8.53,7.81,3.26,7.81,8.33,7.81h.07c5.27,0,8.53-3.52,8.53-7.81h0ZM69.53,83.72h15.04v-25.91c0-13.87-7.42-20.31-17.32-20.31-8.07,0-11.65,4.49-13.61,7.62h.13v-6.58h-15.04s.2,4.23,0,45.18h15.04v-25.26c0-1.3.07-2.67.46-3.65,1.11-2.67,3.58-5.47,7.75-5.47,5.4,0,7.55,4.1,7.55,10.22v24.15h0ZM100,18.75v62.5c0,10.35-8.4,18.75-18.75,18.75H18.75c-10.35,0-18.75-8.4-18.75-18.75V18.75C0,8.4,8.4,0,18.75,0h62.5c10.35,0,18.75,8.4,18.75,18.75Z"></path>
</svg>
<span>@NIDDKgov</span>
</div>
</address>
<div class="live-chat">
<h3>Chat</h3>
<div class="footer-live-chat">
<niddk-chatbadge lang="en"></niddk-chatbadge>
<div>
Live Chat Available<br />
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET<br />
Monday - Friday
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="follow-us">
<h3>
<a href="/news/follow-us">Follow Us</a>
</h3>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-institute-of-diabetes-and-digestive-and-kidney-diseases-niddk" class="linkedin" title="Follow NIDDK on LinkedIn" itemprop="sameAs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>
<a href="https://x.com/NIDDKgov" class="x-social" title="Follow NIDDK on X" itemprop="sameAs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NIDDKgov" class="facebook" title="Like NIDDK on Facebook" itemprop="sameAs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NIDDKgov" class="youtube" title="Subscribe to NIDDK on YouTube" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/niddkgov" class="instagram" title="Follow NIDDK on Instagram" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section><p class="grid tagline">NIH… Turning Discovery Into Health ®</p>
<div class="sub-footer">
<div class="grid">
<div role="region" aria-label="Policy links">
<ul class="horizontal-links">
<li><a href="/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></li>
<li><a href="/freedom-information-act">Freedom of Information Act</a></li>
<li><a href="/accessibility">Accessibility</a></li>
<li><a href="/disclaimers">Disclaimers</a></li>
<li><a href="/copyright">Copyright</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html">Vulnerability Disclosure Policy</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div role="region" aria-label="Utility links">
<ul class="horizontal-links">
<li><a href="/site-map">Site Map</a></li>
<li><a href="https://intranet.niddk.nih.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx" rel="nofollow">For Staff Only</a></li>
<li><a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIDDK/subscriber/new">Get Email Updates</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div role="region" aria-label="Related government sites">
<ul class="horizontal-links">
<li>
<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/">
<span>U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</span>
</a>
</li>
<li itemprop="memberOf" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/GovernmentOrganization">
<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" itemprop="url">
<span itemprop="name">National Institutes of Health</span>
</a>
<meta itemprop="alternateName" content="NIH" />
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<niddk-chatcontrol href-on="/System/start-chat" src-en="/chatbeacon/NIDDK/1/scripts/chatbeacon.js?accountId=1&amp;siteId=1&amp;queueId=1&amp;m=0&amp;i=1&amp;b=1&amp;c=1&amp;theme=frame" src-es="/chatbeacon/NIDDK/1/scripts/chatbeacon.js?accountId=1&amp;siteId=1&amp;queueId=4&amp;m=0&amp;i=1&amp;b=1&amp;c=1&amp;theme=frame" statuslinkid="_lcstatuslink"></niddk-chatcontrol>
</div>
</div>
<iframe src="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention?tracking=true" style="height:0;width:0;visibility:hidden;display:none;" aria-hidden="true"></iframe>
<iframe style="height:0;width:0;visibility:hidden;display:none;" src="about:blank" aria-hidden="true"></iframe>
</footer>
<div class="page-mask"></div>
</div>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/jquery.min.js" defer></script>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/slick-carousel/slick.min.js" defer></script>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/jquery-scrolltabs/jquery.scrolltabs.min.js" defer></script>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/magnific-popup/jquery.magnific-popup.min.js" defer></script>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/deps/tablesaw/tablesaw.jquery.min.js" defer></script>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/scripts/niddk-main.js" defer></script>
<script src="/_ux/niddk/9.37.0/scripts/modules/live-chat.js" type="module"></script>
<meta itemprop="image" content="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/-/media/Images/Components/Default-Social-Media-Images/Health-Information-Card-ALT3.png" />
<meta itemprop="lastReviewed" content="2021-07-14T20:04:00.0000000Z-05:00" />
<span itemprop="inLanguage" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Language">
<meta itemprop="name" content="English" />
<meta itemprop="alternateName" content="en-US" />
</span>
</body>
</html>