Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

There are several changes you can make to improve your urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence:

• Manage your fluid intake.
• Don’t carry a water bottle around with you.
• Avoid fluids that can be bladder irritants.
• Try to avoid or reduce your caffeine consumptions.
• Eliminate the use of artificial sweeteners.
• Eliminate citrus juices if you feel they irritate your bladder.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Void on a schedule to prevent leaking episodes or accidents.
• Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises.

You will likely notice a difference with your urgency or incontinence by modifying or changing your habits, even by making small changes at a time.

Foods that irritate the bladder should be avoided:

• Caffeinated products
• Alcoholic beverages
• Acidic fruits and juices
• Carbonated drinks
• Artificial sweeteners
• Spicy foods