How to Calm an Overactive Bladder

Overview

If you frequently urinate during the day but sometimes cannot make it to the bathroom, you may be suffering from an overactive bladder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one out of every six people over the age of 40 in the United States suffers from overactive bladder.

Step 1

Limit your fluid consumption. Discuss with your doctor the amount of fluid you should consume every day. Be cautious, because severely limiting fluid consumption can lead to kidney damage.

Step 2

Include fiber in your diet. Foods rich in fiber are beans, pasta, cereal, fruits and vegetables. According to the Cleveland Clinic, fiber can decrease constipation. When you are constipated, more pressure can press on your bladder, leading to an overactive bladder.

Step 3

Go to the bathroom every two to three hours. This will decrease your urge to urinate if your bladder is already empty. Attempt to double void. After urinating, wait a few seconds and try to urinate again. This will ensure all urine is out of your bladder.

Step 4

Avoid smoking. The Cleveland Clinic states that cigarette smoke can irritate your bladder and cause overactive bladder when you cough.

Step 5

Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles and urinary sphincter muscles that hold urine in your bladder, the Mayo Clinic advises. Visit your doctor or physical therapist to learn how to do Kegel exercises.

Step 6

Obtain a prescription for medications to relax your bladder such as oxybutynin or tolterodine. These medications can help calm your overactive bladder.

Step 7

Ask your doctor about botulism toxin treatment for your overactive bladder. Botulism is a bacteria that paralyzes muscles. It can be used to paralyze your bladder muscles for up to six months.

Step 8

Go to your surgeon and schedule augmentation cytoplasty or sacral nerve stimulation therapy. Augmentation cytoplasty involves using a piece of your bowel to enlarge your bladder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sacral nerve stimulation involves passing electrical impulses to your bladder to calm it. Discuss with your surgeon which surgical procedure is best for you.