Having an overactive bladder can be a barrier to a successful professional and private life. A constant need to go to the bathroom can make it difficult to commit to other things like your job or studies. And it’s a surprisingly common condition – in fact, around 33 million Americans suffer from an overactive bladder. There is a broad range of home remedies you can try to alleviate your symptoms. Find out ten home remedies for an overactive bladder.

Medication

There are lots of home remedies out there, but sometimes they just don’t do the trick. That’s when medicine – both over-the-counter and prescribed – comes in handy. This is usually a decision that is reserved for people with a more severe overactive bladder. Talk to your doctor about drugs: he or she may not recommend medication for everyone. If you do receive a prescription, it will most likely be some form of medication that blocks the production of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps to control the muscle spasms in the bladder. It thus provides for a deep feeling of relief, which lasts for a long time. Consult your doctor for more information.

Nerve Stimulation

This remedy is highly effective, but it is only used when all other treatment options have been exhausted. Nerve stimulation involves a small device that sends electrical impulses that target the muscles of the bladder. It is usually placed right underneath the skin near the upper buttocks. It’s important to note that this doesn’t completely cure the condition, but it may significantly reduce symptoms and improve your overall lifestyle as well as your quality of life. Another factor that has to be taken into account is the relatively high cost of this treatment compared to other options.

Bladder Training

Another way to help control your overactive bladder is to try bladder training. Just like training any other muscle, bladder training uses certain exercises to target the bladder to reduce urination. This is a widely used treatment option because it comes with a low cost, and is relatively easy to perform. To train the bladder, a strict schedule must be set which determines when you can and cannot go to the toilet. To learn more about bladder training, consult your doctor. It may not be a suitable treatment for all patients.

Buchu Plant

If you prefer more natural remedies over other treatment forms, then you might be interested in the buchu plant. For generations, the buchu plant has been used in South Africa for the treatment of all kinds of ailments that affect the urinary tract, including the bladder. Buchu plant is well-known for its anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties, making it ideal for the bladder. It also helps to keep an infection from reaching the most sensitive parts of the urinary tract. If you want to use this remedy, consult your doctor first.

Absorbent Pads

Everyone values a solution that is quick and easy – and quite cheap as well. That’s a description that fits absorbent pads, which may be a great alternative to more invasive and time-consuming treatments. Absorbent pads are more of an interim solution; they won’t actually cure an overactive bladder. What’s true, however, is that they will certainly help to reduce and contain the symptoms. They can be worn comfortably under your clothing to prevent an embarrassing leak from becoming visible. They can be changed throughout the day, and bigger and more absorbent ones can be used if necessary.

Change Your Habits

Making small changes in your lifestyle can go a long way in treating and reducing the extent of your condition. It’s not a miracle cure: don’t expect a few healthy changes to produce an immediate effect. However, if done in a consistent manner, lifestyle changes can be an effective treatment on a long-term basis. Some of the most important steps you can take include cutting back on smoking. Smoking may irritate the muscles of the bladder. Another modification you can do is to consume less alcohol and substitute it for healthier drinks. Lastly, perform bladder exercises to increase muscle control.

Weight Loss

One of the most significant things you can do to reduce symptoms is to lose weight. This is especially true for people who are overweight. If you are underweight, don’t try this remedy. Studies have shown that individuals who are overweight have a bigger risk of suffering from stress incontinence, which is a condition that causes you to lose urine during physical activity involuntarily. The cause is weakened pelvic muscles. Other actions such as coughing, laughing or other forms of rapid movement may cause urine loss. By losing weight, there is less pressure put on the affected muscles. Consult your doctor to come up with a weight loss plan.

Regular Bowel Movements

Being constipated can make you feel as if you need to urinate. To help take pressure away from the bladder, make sure to have regular and consistent bowel movements. This can significantly ease your symptoms. To have more bowel movements, make sure that you get enough fiber. Fiber is the main component of a healthy stool, and it helps to keep your digestive system going. Foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as whole-grain bread, have plenty of fiber. Likewise, you must stay sufficiently hydrated, as this keeps the digestive system lubricated. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

Change Your Diet

One of the best ways to see long-term changes in your bladder is by making changes to your diet. The food we consume can have a large impact on how frequently we urinate. Certain foods can make your symptoms worse – these should be completely avoided or at least kept to a minimum. Amongst the most irritating foods for your bladder are all kinds of citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit. Tomatoes may also be considered acidic. Another food group to avoid is spicy foods, such as hot peppers and other similar spices.

Evaluate Your Symptoms

Before deciding on how you should go about treating your overactive bladder, you have to analyze your symptoms to get a general idea of how severe your condition is. This way, it’ll be easier to choose a treatment option that suits your circumstances. Some treatments may work for some but maybe a total disaster for others. To analyze your symptoms, keep track of how you feel for a few days. Record things such as how frequently you urinate as well as how much water you drink. Show the results to your doctor for further analysis.