- A urologist or nurse practitioner can recommend pelvic floor exercises for your child.
- A trained nurse or nurse practitioner teaches pelvic floor exercises.
- The pelvic floor exercise sessions are done in an outpatient clinic.
- Usually your child will need to come to four to five appointments. These appointments are about two hours long.
What can my child expect during pelvic floor exercises?
During the sessions, your child will learn special exercises. Small sticker pads are placed on your child's buttocks. These pads record muscle activity on a computer during the exercises. Your child will be able to see the results (feedback) of the exercises on the computer screen. He or she will perform the exercise while playing games on the computer.
Your child will also need to urinate in a special toilet. This is called a uroflow test. This special toilet can record how well the urine stream is flowing.
Your child should always wear loose, comfortable clothing when coming for the sessions. Also it is very important for the child to come with a full bladder. One hour prior to the visit it is recommended that your child drink:
- 3-6 years old: One 8-ounce glass of liquid; no milk or soda pop
- 6-12 years old: Two 8-ounce glasses of liquid; no milk or soda pop
- Adolescents: Three 8-ounce glasses of liquid; no milk or soda pop
What is the parent’s role with pelvic floor exercises?
Children doing pelvic floor exercises need their parents to help and support them. The more a child can practice the exercises, the quicker he or she will learn to relax the muscles correctly.
- Your child will be taught special exercises to do at home. Parents will need to allow time at home for their child to do these exercises.
- Tracking the exercises on a chart is very helpful.
- Your child should urinate every two hours.
- It is also very important for your child to have a soft bowel movement every day. It may be necessary for your child to be on a stool softener. You will need to keep a daily bowel diary.
- For your child to succeed with pelvic floor exercises, it is important to follow these instructions.