Self-management and lifestyle changes for Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Q 1. What is Self-management of overactive bladder symptoms?

A. The symptoms of overactive bladder are often bothersome but not life-threatening. OAB symptoms can last for a long time and there is no simple cure. There are various treatment options available. In most cases, self-management is offered as the first step of treatment. It is common to try different treatment options to figure out which one works best in your individual situation. You can discuss this with your doctor.

You can actively manage your symptoms. The following self-management measures may help you:

• Together with your doctor you can discuss adapting when, what, and how much you drink
• If urine leakage is a problem, your doctor may recommend wearing an absorbent pad to prevent wetting your clothes
• If recommended by your doctor, encourage yourself to “hold it” longer when you feel the urgency to urinate. This will train your bladder and gradually increase the time between toilet visits
• Pelvic muscles can weaken with age. Different exercises can help to regain muscle strength and suppress the urgent desire to urinate. A physiotherapist can help you do these exercises the right way.

Q 2. What Lifestyle changes are helpful?

A. In addition, general lifestyle changes can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

• Discuss with your doctor how much you should drink
• Drink less before and during long trips
• Drink less in the evening to avoid getting up at night to urinate
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine because they increase urine production and irritate the bladder
• Certain foods can irritate the bladder and worsen OAB symptoms. It may be helpful to reduce artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, caffeine and soft drinks in your diet
• Maintain a healthy weight (your Body Mass Index should be between 18-25 kg/m2). Reducing your weight may lead to improvement in urine leakage symptoms