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Important Tips for Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction Patients

Dos and Dont’s for Proper Toileting

For patients living with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, United Urology physical therapists offer these important tips:

  • Do relax your muscles to urinate
  • Don't strain
  • Do drink at least 64 ounces of water per day
  • Don't allow yourself to become dehydrated
  • Do limit your coffee, alcohol and fruit juice intake
  • Don't drink these bladder irritants, which will only make your urinary symptoms worse
  • Do learn to delay frequency of urination
  • Don't run to the restroom with the first urge - train your bladder muscles to hold it for a little longer than you're comfortable with to build muscle tone
  • Do include fiber in your diet
  • Don't become constipated, which can exacerbate your incontinence issues
  • Do drink your water in a 12-hour period
  • Don't drink fluids two hours before bed except a small amount with medications, if needed
  • Do exercise regularly - walking, swimming, etc. are great, low-impact aerobic exercises that will keep you healthy and feeling strong
  • Don't be a couch potato!