Overactive Bladder? Use These Tips to Manage It

Overactive Bladder (OAB), means you have a frequent and urgent need to empty your bladder. It’s also sometimes called “spastic bladder” or “irritable bladder” and affects about 33 million people in the U.S. alone.

Overactive bladder can be a nuisance for some, but debilitating for others. Not only is it frustrating to be constantly running to the bathroom, it can cause anxiety, shame and even depression when OAB is coupled with urinary incontinence.

Don’t despair! If you suffer from a frequent urge to urinate or have been diagnosed with OAB, your doctor has some excellent strategies to help you deal with the problem.

First, Adjust Your Behavior

Behavioral interventions is the first line of defense to help manage an overactive bladder. Your doctor may suggest: 

• Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, strengthen pelvic floor muscles and your urinary sphincter to help stop involuntary bladder contractions. 

• Biofeedback. You’ll be connected to sensors that help measure and give you information on your body to teach you subtle changes you can make, like when to use your pelvic floor muscles to suppress feelings of urgency.

• Weight loss. Losing weight if you’re overweight can help ease symptoms.

• Scheduling toilet trips. If you set up a schedule, you’ll get on a track to urinate at the same times every day instead of waiting until you feel the urge.

• Wearing absorbent pads. This means you won’t have to restrict your activities because you’re afraid of an accident.

• Training Your Bladder. This involves training yourself to delay urinating when you feel an urge. Begin with small delays (30 minutes), and gradually working your way up to urinating every three to four hours. Bladder training is only possible if you can successfully contract your pelvic floor muscles.

Use These Tips for Day-to-Day Help with OAB

In addition to taking the measures mentioned above, day-to-day, and in various situations, there are ways to help cope both physically and mentally:

1. Medications like high blood pressure drugs and antihistamines can aggravate OAB if you’re a woman. Talk to your doctor to find out if these may be a factor.

2. Talking about OAB with your partner and close friends isn't simple, but it may offer a big boost to the closeness of your relationships. Everyone has “things.” Start the conversation today.

3. Kegel exercises can be done anywhere, anytime and in very little time. Once you’ve consulted with your doctor to make sure you’re doing them right, keep them up for at least four to six weeks and you’ll see improvement.

4. OAB can lead to depression in some men and women. As you now know, millions of Americans cope with bladder control problems, so look online for support groups.

5. If you’re an active woman that needs a little OAB help during exercise, a tampon or pessary (like a diaphragm) can help support your pelvic tissues and control leaks.

6. Try sugar-free hard candy or gum if you’re out and about and OAB medication gives you a dry mouth, rather than drinking liquid. You can also talk to your doctor about modifying your medication.

7. If you’re waiting in line or have been put on hold, doing relaxation exercises can help suppress OAB urges.

8. Make sure to drink enough liquid. That may seem counter-intuitive, but you can make the problem worse by irritating your bladder.

Tips to Help OAB at Night

A great sex life and a good night's sleep don't have to be a thing of the past when you have OAB.

1. To encourage uninterrupted sleep, avoid fluids after 6 p.m. so your bladder is empty at bedtime.

2. If you’re worried about accidents, use protective pads or underwear.

3. Alcohol can worsen OAB symptoms and  interrupt your sleep, so keep it to a minimum.

4. Since accidents and OAB can go hand-in-hand, so consider trying waterproof bed sheets.

5. If you take medications like diuretics that cause you to produce more urine, talk to your doctor about taking them in the a.m. rather than the p.m.

If OAB keeps you up night after night, get help. Talk with your doctor.

Get More OAB Management Tips With a Visit to Norman Urology

There are many things that can affect bladder health. There’s no need to suffer needlessly, either physically or mentally. Whether you’re suffering from OAB or just want more advice to keep your bladder healthy, Norman Urology has the answers and the most current treatments. You can count on superior, specialized care from experienced, compassionate professionals.