Methods to Drain Your Bladder

There are several ways to stimulate your bladder to empty. Your doctor and nurse will help you find the best method for you.

Crede - With both hands, usually in fists, press on your lower belly over your bladder.  Press down and hold for a short time. This method takes a good deal of effort. Instead of using your hands, you can use a crede board, which you can make in Occupational Therapy.

Valsalva Maneuver -This is usually done along with crede. Hold your breath, lean a bit forward and bear down. When you feel yourself going to the bathroom, bear down again to try to empty your bladder more. The best way to do this is on a commode or toilet, since you will be sitting upright.

Triggering -This method is different for each person. It locates your "trigger point” that causes your bladder to empty.  If this method is right for you, you will try to find your own trigger point.

Examples of trigger points are:

• tapping with your fingers or the side of your hand over your bladder

• stroking your inner leg

• pulling your pubic hairs

• touching your genitals

• stretching the opening of your anus

Which method you try will depend on what we learn during your urology exam. You may also take medicine if your doctor thinks medicine might help you gain bladder control.