Advertisement
Home Health Body & Fitness

5 things that will help if you have an overactive bladder

If you frequently need to go to the bathroom you may need to implement some strategies to take back control.

Get that “gotta go” feeling too often? If you have an overactive bladder, home remedies may be your best shot at regaining a sense of confidence and normalcy in your daily life.

Advertisement

That’s because an overactive bladder — which can cause a sudden urge to pee or an involuntary loss of urine — can be embarrassing and isolating.

Your first step should be a visit to the doctor to determine the cause of your condition and to confirm that you indeed have an overactive bladder.

He or she may recommend a treatment program that includes medication, periodic catheterisation, and a host of lifestyle changes like these.

The following home remedies for overactive bladder can definitely help you regain control of your health.

Advertisement

Stick to water…

Coffee, alcohol, soda and diet drinks can increase the spasms and contractions that cause overactive bladder (aka urge incontinence), says New York City urogynaecologist Lisa Dabney, M.D.

“Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, plus they’re very acidic, which irritates the bladder lining. Artificial sweeteners can have the same effect on some women. Skip spicy food and citrus fruit, too; both can also irritate the bladder,” she says.

…but don’t overhydrate

Instead of aiming for eight glasses of H2O a day, drink only when you’re thirsty. “Otherwise, your bladder will constantly be full, and you’ll have to go all the time,” says Dr. Dabney.

Do pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic exercises are one of the top natural remedies for an overactive bladder, especially for women.

Advertisement

Gotta go? Do a Kegel to help stop your bladder from contracting, buying you extra time to get to the bathroom. How to do a Kegel: Clench your vaginal muscles, hold for five seconds; release.

Watch the clock

Produce little urine when you go? Your bladder may be sending false “gotta go” signals.

To overcome “fake” signals, take a bathroom break every two hours — but not in between. (Worried about leaks? Wear a thin liner for a few weeks until your body adjusts.)

Clean up your act

One of the best ways to prevent overactive bladder is to lead a generally active and healthy life.

Advertisement

What does that mean? Maintain a healthy weight and get regular, daily physical activity and exercise.

Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol and quit smoking.

Know when to see a doctor

Call your doctor if you’re leaking more than a few times a day or your frequent bathroom breaks don’t respond to the tips above. You may need a doctor’s prescription and/or physical therapy, says Dr. Dabney.

Advertisement

Via Woman’s World.

Related stories


Get your favourite magazines home delivered!  

Subscribe and save up to 38% on a magazine subscription.

Advertisement
Advertisement