How Can I Manage Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Are you taking prescription drugs for an overactive bladder?

Do you do Kegel exercises?

Do you practice waiting before going to the toilet, when you feel the need to urinate (delayed urination)?

Do you follow a daily bathroom schedule (you go at certain times, instead of going when you feel the urge)?

Have you tried to wait a while after urinating and then try again (this can help you completely empty your bladder)?

Have you limited your alcohol and caffeine intake?

Have you talked to your doctor about how much fluid to drink during the day?

Do you strive to achieve and maintain a healthy weight?

Do you wear absorbent pads?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage overactive bladder. Kegel exercises are an effective way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (tighten your pelvic muscles, hold them firmly for 3 to 5 seconds and then relax them. Repeat this cycle 10 times, 3 times a day). You can also try “quick flicks”, an exercise that consists of 10 fast cycles of contraction and relaxation of your pelvic floor muscles. You should try to delay urination by holding for 10 minutes each time you feel the need to urinate. The goal is to extend the time between two trips to the toilet.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage overactive bladder. Try to go to the toilet as planned, for example every 2 to 4 hours, instead of waiting until you feel the need to urinate. To learn how to empty your bladder completely, wait a few minutes after urinating and try again. You should limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine because they are diuretics (they make you urinate more). Talk to your doctor about how much fluid to drink. Drinking too much fluid can make your symptoms worse, while insufficient fluid intake will irritate the bladder and increase the urge to urinate.