Tips to Manage an Overactive Bladder

Tips to Manage an Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder is often more embarrassing than problematic, and it can affect one’s social life and independence. This is not only annoying but can affect a person’s confidence as well. There are several ways to manage an overactive bladder, and several products can be used to treat and manage the condition effectively. Here are a few products to aid an overactive bladder:

  • Anticholinergic medicines:  An overactive bladder leads to the contraction of the muscles in the area, and anticholinergic medicines control the muscles that cause the spasms. These medications block the nerve signals that increase the contractions and the urge to urinate. It is one of the many products to aid an overactive bladder, and it helps reduce the frequency of urination. The medicines are available based on a prescription by a physician.
  • Botox:  Botox is known for its usage in the cosmetic industry, but it has several uses in other medical fields as well. For instance, it works great as one of the products to aid an overactive bladder and works as a muscle relaxant when directly injected into the bladder. Once injected, the patient experiences far fewer contractions and increased bladder capacity, and this treatment is effective for up to a year.
  • Certain antidepressants:  Tofranil, Tipramine, and Norfranil are some antidepressants that help suppress the symptoms one experiences with an overactive bladder. The best antidepressant one for an individual will depend on their condition and the symptoms they experience. For instance, a certain class of antidepressants works better for incontinence arising out of stress rather than urge incontinence, so it’s best to rely on the experience of a physician to recommend the right one.
  • Natural supplements:  Herbal remedies and supplements are always on the radar for all kinds of research and studies. Similarly, there have been innumerable studies on the effects of herbal supplements on an overactive bladder. While there are some positive results, it may not be sufficient to concretely prove that these supplements help. Capsaicin, Corn Silk, Ganoderma Lucidum, and the Buchu plant (origin – South Africa) are all known to help alleviate the symptoms.
  • Nerve stimulation:  This is one of the invasive procedures to treat an overactive bladder, but it uses one of the most effective products to aid an overactive bladder. Typically, people turn to this when medications and lifestyle changes fail to manage the condition effectively. The device is placed under the skin and works just like a pacemaker. It sends electrical impulses to the sacral nerve that plays a vital role in emptying the bladder.

There are several ways to control or manage the condition, but any of the above steps or means must be explored only after consulting a healthcare professional.