An overactive bladder causes urgent and frequent urination, and can lead to incontinence. Treatment options include pelvic exercises, bladder training, medication, and herbal remedies.
An overactive bladder is a situation in which the muscles of the bladder contract in such a way that the individual feels an urgent need to urinate repeatedly throughout the day. While contractions can occur whether or not the bladder is filling up, when contractions occur while the bladder is nearly full, incontinence can also occur. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with an overactive bladder and ease the pain and embarrassment caused by the condition.
While a normally functioning active bladder contracts when a full bladder is reached, little or no effort is typically required to control the urination process. This makes it possible for someone with a full bladder to visit a toilet without feeling great urgency. With an overactive bladder, there is usually a feeling of being about to lose control, a state that can cause a lot of anxiety and increase the speed and strength of the contractions.
One of the most basic ways to treat an overactive bladder involves pelvic exercises coupled with bladder training. Pelvic exercises are designed to strengthen the muscle groups that help control the urination process. Kegel exercises are considered excellent for developing more reliable bladder control. Because Kegels can be performed discreetly, anyone with an overactive bladder can perform sets of exercises while sitting at a desk, watching television, or even lying on a sofa or bed.
To complement the pelvic exercises, a systematic bladder training regimen is sometimes considered helpful. This involves fighting the urge to give in to the urge to urinate frequently and only urinate at specific times during the day. Sometimes referred to as programmed voiding, this is an attempt to recondition the mind’s response to contractions and regain control of the health problem. As the mind has an influence on bladder function, the contractions become easier to manage and sometimes subside altogether.
Along with exercises and retraining the mind and bladder, many people are turning to modern medicine for assistance. When an individual finds that they feel the need to urinate more than eight times a day, there is definitely one or more bladder problems going on. A complete physical exam can help determine if there are any diseases that interfere with normal bladder function. If so, there are a number of medications that can be used to treat an overactive bladder. Some of these medications are formulated to treat a relatively mild and usually short-term bladder problem. Other drugs are intended for long-term use.
Herbs are sometimes helpful in treating an overactive bladder. Cayenne, found in many hot peppers, can sometimes help desensitize the nerves in the bladder and relieve the frequency and strength of contractions. Peach bark, chamomile and ginger root can also help with any infections that contribute to the activity of an overactive bladder. Before combining the use of herbs with prescription medications, it is important to consult a doctor, as there may be a negative interaction.
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