Specialties & Conditions Urinary Biofeedback
Urinary Biofeedback
Specialty
What Is Urinary Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a technique children are taught to identify and properly relax their urinary sphincter muscle when urinating, as well as to contract the muscle effectively to maintain normal urinary control.
What Patients Benefit from Urinary Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is effective in many children who:
- Do not empty their bladders completely
- Strain to urinate
- Have recurrent urinary tract infections
- Experience periods of urgency to urinate
- Continue to wet despite other therapies
What to Expect During the Biofeedback Procedure
Sensor Placement
Your child will have a set of sensors (sticky patches) placed on their buttocks near the sphincter area. These sensors detect muscle activity and are attached to a small computer.
How It Works
The computer records the signals from the sensors and displays them on a screen for you and your child to see. The signals change as your child contracts and relaxes the sphincter muscle, helping them learn to identify and control these movements.
Comfort & Safety
The placement of the sensors and the computer recordings are not painful. No electrical shocks are used at any point during the procedure.
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's urologic needs.
Tests & Preparation
Tests We Perform
- Ultrasound of the bladder: Measures the volume of urine at the beginning of the session and the amount left inside after urination
- Uroflowmetry Test (voiding into a special commode): Evaluates the child's urine flow and pelvic floor activity
How to Prepare
It is important that your child arrives for the biofeedback session with a full bladder. To do this, have the child drink clear liquid for one hour prior to the session. Children under seven years of age should drink at least two cups of water (16 oz). Children over seven years of age should drink at least four to five cups of water (32-40 oz).
Food & Drinks to Avoid
Your child should avoid:
- Caffeine (iced tea, soda, coffee)
- Carbonated drinks (soda, seltzer)
- Citric juices (orange, lemonade) and fruits
- Chocolate
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream)
Bowel Habits
Constipation affects relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. Even if your child has a daily bowel movement, they may be holding large amounts of stool in the colon, which can affect pelvic relaxation. Encourage your child to have a bowel movement prior to the biofeedback session.
Questions & Concerns
All of your questions concerning biofeedback are welcome. The more you understand, the better you can help your child overcome their bladder control problem. For questions or for more information, please call 312.227.6340.
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's urologic needs.