Popular Treatments for an Overactive Bladder

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than 33 million people around the world are suffering from an overactive bladder (OAB). An overactive bladder refers to an issue with the bladder’s storage functions, causing a sudden urge to urinate.

The urge to urinate may be difficult to control at times, as an overactive bladder can lead to the involuntary loss of urine.

This condition is also known as incontinence and can be very embarrassing; this can happen when you sneeze, laugh, cough or if you feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom. Luckily there are effective treatments available that can help to reduce the effects of OAB, including exercises and lifestyle changes.

Kegel Exercises

These exercises are very useful in the early stages of incontinence. Also called pelvic floor exercises, it strengthens the muscles below the bladder that helps control urination by repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the floor. Normal exercises are also good for your body, as excess belly fat can put unnecessary pressure on the bladder and the pelvic muscles.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for proper muscle and nerve function and it will help with bladder control by reducing bladder muscle spasms and allowing the bladder to empty completely.

Pessary

A ring-like device that is inserted into the vagina to lift and support the vagina and bladder. This will help relieve any incontinence associated with coughing and sneezing.

Quit Smoking

Nicotine can irritate the bladder. Because smokers tend to cough more than non-smokers and long-term, chronic coughing has been considered a risk factor for developing stress urinary incontinence.

Acupuncture

Sometimes systems in the body are out of balance, and most of the time an overactive bladder is caused by two or more system out of balance like the bladder and kidneys. Acupuncture restores the balances in the body which will result in normal bladder activity.

No More Caffeine

Caffeine is a diuretic and can contribute to bladder irritation and stimulate muscle contractions, which can both cause incontinence.

Drink Enough Water

If you don’t drink enough water you may become constipated and this will irritate the bladder and cause incontinence.

It is important to make an appointment with your physician if you think you have an overactive bladder. People with OAB often experience these symptoms for a long period of time before they seek medical care, and the condition is sometimes identified by caregivers rather than the person with the symptoms.