Do you find yourself wearing leakproof panties, rushing to find the nearest backroom when out with friends, or make it a habit to use the bathroom before leaving home? Then, you may be suffering from an overactive bladder. This problem can be managed in several ways. Here are helpful tips for managing overactive bladder.

What is OAB?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate, which can be difficult to control. It can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are effective strategies for managing overactive bladder. Here are some key tips to help you regain control and reduce symptoms.

If you have two or more of the following symptoms, you most likely have OAB:

• You urinate 8 or more times during the day or 2 or more times at night.
• Have a sudden strong need to pee immediately.
• You leak urine after a sudden strong urge to urinate.

Going to see an experienced physician like our trained OBGYNs in San Antonio can confirm the diagnosis of OAB. Once diagnosed, you can begin to take control and manage the symptoms in various ways.

Ways to Manage Overactive Bladder

Your doctor may suggest trying some simple lifestyle changes first.

1. Monitor Fluid Intake

Keeping track of your fluid intake can help you manage OAB symptoms. Drinking too much liquid, especially before bedtime, may increase nighttime urination. However, dehydration can irritate the bladder, so aim for a balanced intake throughout the day.

2. Avoid Bladder Irritants

Certain foods and drinks can worsen OAB symptoms. Common irritants include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and acidic fruits. Limiting these items may help reduce urgency and frequency.

3. Practice Bladder Training

Bladder training involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to help your bladder hold urine longer. Start by delaying urination by small increments, such as five to ten minutes, and gradually extend the time between trips.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent urges to urinate. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can alleviate some of this pressure and improve symptoms.

5. Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles

Kegel exercises can help manage overactive bladder by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in bladder control. Regularly practicing these exercises can reduce leaks and improve bladder function.

Overactive Bladder Procedures and Medications

• Vaginal estrogen can help to strengthen the muscles in the urethra and vagina. Other medications relax the bladder.
• Botox injections are given directly into the bladder. This relaxes the muscles and increases the amount your bladder can hold. The shot lasts for 6 months. Talk with your doctor about side effects.
• Minimally invasive electrical impulses are given near the sacral nerves which send signals to your bladder. This is known as a sacral nerve stimulator.
• PTNS stands for the Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulator. This is inserted into tissue in the ankle which connects to nerves that control the bladder. Treatments are administered once a week for a duration of 12 weeks.
• For severe cases of OAB, surgery may be recommended.

Overactive Bladder Treatment in San Antonio, TX

Managing overactive bladder requires a combination of lifestyle changes, exercise, and, in some cases, medical intervention. You don’t have to live with an overactive bladder. Contact Riverwalk OB-GYN at (281) 402-6022 for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.

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