Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEmotionalPhysicalSocialPracticalNext in Overactive Bladder GuideWhat Is the Best Medication for Overactive Bladder?

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Practical

Next in Overactive Bladder Guide

Whileoveractive bladder(OAB) can be a nuisance to some, there are others for whom the condition is debilitating, undermining their quality of life and ability to function without stress or embarrassment. Contrary to what some people might tell you, OAB isnota normal part of getting older or something you have to “learn to live with.”

As you work with a healthcare provider to seek the appropriate treatment, there are things you can do to better cope with this frustrating and all-too-common condition.

Mindfulness meditation is just one way to better cope with the symptoms of OAB.Maskot / Getty Images

Side view of senior woman with in-ear headphones sitting in lotus position at park

One of the most challenging aspects of OAB is the emotional stress it places on a person. People with severe OAB symptoms will often find it easier to isolate themselves than deal with the constant stress and fear of wetting themselves or being unable to hold it when at work or in public.

The incidence ofanxietyanddepressionis high in people living with OAB, with one in three experiencing moderate to severe signs of depression as a result of their urinary symptoms.

Anxiety and depression increase the likelihood and severity ofurinary incontinencein people with OAB, according to a 2016 study published inBMC Urology.It’s a “Catch-22” situation, wherein stress can serve as both a cause and effect of OAB symptoms.

To this end, it is just as important to manage your emotional health as it is to deal with the physical symptoms if you have OAB.

Stress management, including the use ofmindfulness-based therapies, has been shown to improve not only the quality of life of people with OAB but can help them better manage episodes of urinary urgency and incontinence.

Among some of the options:

In addition to mind-body therapies, traditional interventions such ascognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—including modalities like rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) and problem‐solving therapy—can help treat depression in people in OAB, particularly those with treatment-resistant OAB.

It is important to recognize thesigns of depressionif you have OAB. As a condition commonly treated with medications and lifestyle changes, OAB will almost invariably improve if underlying depression or anxiety is appropriately treated.

How Overactive Bladder Is Treated

Your general health influences OAB in the same way it does any chronic medical condition. In the end, OAB cannot be treated in isolation. If you are struggling to manage OAB despite medical treatment, you can make two key physical changes that usually help.

Diet

If you have OAB, certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder and trigger sudden spasms of the bladder wall. Others are diuretic and actively promote urination. Changes in diet can help.

In addition to restricting fluids, you should limit certain foods and drinks irrespective of the severity of your OAB symptoms. These include:

Certain preservatives, includingmonosodium glutamate (MSG), can also increase bladder sensitivity.

A diet rich invitamin Cand vitamin D is associated with reducing urinary frequency and urgency.Good vitamin C sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peppers, dark leafy vegetables, strawberries, papaya, and kiwi fruit. Vitamin D-rich foods include oily fish (such as salmon, tuna, and sardines), eggs, and fortified milk and yogurt.

Weight Loss

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of OAB and an increase in the severity of OAB symptoms.

A 2012 study published in theInternational Neurourological Journalconcluded that a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater corresponds to a higher incidence of bladder leakage in women with OAB than all other weight categories. By contrast, a BMI of less than 30 does not appear to increase such risk.

BMIis a dated, flawed measure. It does not take into account factors such as body composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.Even though it is a biased measure, BMI is still widely used in the medical community because it’s an inexpensive and quick way to analyze a person’s potential health status and outcomes

BMIis a dated, flawed measure. It does not take into account factors such as body composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.

Even though it is a biased measure, BMI is still widely used in the medical community because it’s an inexpensive and quick way to analyze a person’s potential health status and outcomes

Although obesity places direct pressure on thebladderitself, it also impedes blood flow in thepelvic floor. This indirectly stimulates bladder contractions due to the release ofcytokinesand other inflammatory compounds.

If you have OAB, achieving and maintaining a normal weight can help mitigate some of the risks. This should involve:

Although there are no specific weight-loss plans for people with OAB, any program you embark on should be under a healthcare provider’s supervision. It may also help to engage the services of anutritionistordietitianand a personal trainer to set you on the right track.

Weight loss should be integrated into your OAB treatment plan if you are overweight, particularly if you have severe bladder control problems or an excessive accumulation of fat around the abdomen.

How Overactive Bladder (OAB) Self-Care Relieves and Controls Symptoms

As much as OAB can cause social isolation and depression, social isolation and depression can increase the risk of obesity and poor lifestyle habits that contributeto OAB.It’s a spiraling cycle that is often hard to break.

Social interaction is key to managing any chronic condition, and OAB is no exception.

Here are other tips to help manage social or work situations if you have OAB:

OAB and Sex

Sexual relationships also benefit from an open, honest discussion if you have OAB. Doing so allows you to make adjustments to your sex life together rather than trying to manage on your own in silence. If, for example, there is a position that presses on your bladder or makes you feel like peeing, say so and find a new position.

You can also keep towels close at hand or purchase fitted waterproof “play sheets” to keep the bed dry in case of leakage. Urinating before sex and avoiding an alcohol “icebreaker” also helps.

How Overactive Bladder Differs in Men

One of the best ways to cope with OAB is to normalize it. By making few practical adjustments to your life, you can take control of your condition rather than it controlling you.

While this is sometimes easier said than done,planningandpreparing for contingenciescan usually help see you through the most inopportune moments.

As you and aurologistexplore the various treatment options, there are a few tips that can help you better control your OAB symptoms:

Most importantly, follow your prescribed medical treatments to a “T.” Whether you are takingantimuscarinic medicationsor undergoing bladder retraining, consistency is key to achieving better control of your symptoms.

A Word From Verywell

According to the American Urological Society, around 60% of people treated for OAB will experience a complete resolution of symptoms within a year. Others will experience ongoing symptoms despite treatment, albeit less severely in all but a few cases.

Finding the right treatment can take time and patience. If you find it difficult to cope, do not go it alone. Reach out to OAB support groups, many of which can be found on Facebook. These allow you to share your concerns (anonymously if you prefer), seek advice or referrals, or help others who fully understand what you are going through.

19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Melotti IGR, Juliato CRT, de Albuquerque Coelho SC, Lima M, Riccetto CLZ.Is there any difference between depression and anxiety in overactive bladder according to sex? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int Neurourol J. 2017;21(3):204-11. doi:10.5213/inj.1734890.445Lai HH, Gardner V, Vetter J, Andriole GL.Correlation between psychological stress levels and the severity of overactive bladder symptoms.BMC Urol. 2015;15:14. doi:10.1186/s12894-015-0009-6Baker J, Costa D, Nygaard I.Mindfulness-based stress reduction for treatment of urinary urge incontinence: a pilot study.Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2012;18(1):46-9. doi:10.1097/SPV.0b013e31824107a6Huang AJ, Grady D, Mendes WB, Hernandez C, Schembri M, Subak LL.A randomized controlled trial of device guided, slow-paced respiration in women with overactive bladder syndrome.J Urol.2019;202(4):787-94. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000000328McClurg D, Pollock A, Campbell P, et al.Conservative interventions for urinary incontinence in women: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(9):CD012337. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012337Park J, Park CH, Jun SE, Lee EJ, Kang SW, Kim N.Effects of biofeedback-based sleep improvement program on urinary symptoms and sleep patterns of elderly Korean women with overactive bladder syndrome.BMC Urol.2019;19:109. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0540-yFunada S, Watanabe N, Goto T, et al.Clinical feasibility and acceptability of adding cognitive behavioral therapy to pharmacotherapy for drug-resistant overactive bladder in women: A single-arm pilot study.Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2021;13(1):69-78. doi:10.1111/luts.12333Robinson D, Giarenis I, Cardoza L.You are what you eat: the impact of diet on overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms.Maturitas.2014;79(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.06.009El Agamy DF, Naguib YM.CoQ10 ameliorates monosodium glutamate-induced alteration in detrusor activity and responsiveness in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and channel inhibiting mechanisms.BMC Urol.2019;19(1):103. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0534-9Ernst M, Gonka J, Povcher O, et al.Diet modification for overactive bladder: an evidence-based review.Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep.2015;10:25-30.doi:10.1007/s11884-014-0285-0Pasko P, Rodacki T, Domagala-Rodacka R, Owczarek D.A short review of drug–food interactions of medicines treating overactive bladder syndrome.Int J Clin Pharm. 2016;38(6):1350-6. doi:10.1007/s11096-016-0383-5Al-Shaiji TF, Radomski SB.Relationship between body mass index and overactive bladder in women and correlations with urodynamic evaluation.Int Neurourol J. 2012;16(3):126-31. doi:10.5213/inj.2012.16.3.126Lai HH, Helmuth ME, Smith AR, Wiseman JB, Gillespie BW, Kirkali Z.Relationship between central obesity, general obesity, overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence among male and female patients seeking care for their lower urinary tract symptoms.Urology.2019;123:34-43. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.09.012Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy eating for a healthy weight.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for a healthy weight.Corcos J, Przydacz M, Campeau L.CUA guideline on adult overactive bladder.Can Urol Assoc J.2017;11(5):E142-73. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4586Al-Shaikh G, Syed S, Osman S, Bogis A, Al-Badr A.Pessary use in stress urinary incontinence: a review of advantages, complications, patient satisfaction, and quality of life.Int J Womens Health. 2018;10:195-201. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S152616Willis-Gray MG, Dieter AA, Geller EJ.Evaluation and management of overactive bladder: strategies for optimizing care.Res Rep Urol. 2016;8:113-22. doi:10.2147/RRU.S93636American Urological Association.Diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) in adults: An AUA/SUFU guideline.

19 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Melotti IGR, Juliato CRT, de Albuquerque Coelho SC, Lima M, Riccetto CLZ.Is there any difference between depression and anxiety in overactive bladder according to sex? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int Neurourol J. 2017;21(3):204-11. doi:10.5213/inj.1734890.445Lai HH, Gardner V, Vetter J, Andriole GL.Correlation between psychological stress levels and the severity of overactive bladder symptoms.BMC Urol. 2015;15:14. doi:10.1186/s12894-015-0009-6Baker J, Costa D, Nygaard I.Mindfulness-based stress reduction for treatment of urinary urge incontinence: a pilot study.Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2012;18(1):46-9. doi:10.1097/SPV.0b013e31824107a6Huang AJ, Grady D, Mendes WB, Hernandez C, Schembri M, Subak LL.A randomized controlled trial of device guided, slow-paced respiration in women with overactive bladder syndrome.J Urol.2019;202(4):787-94. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000000328McClurg D, Pollock A, Campbell P, et al.Conservative interventions for urinary incontinence in women: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(9):CD012337. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012337Park J, Park CH, Jun SE, Lee EJ, Kang SW, Kim N.Effects of biofeedback-based sleep improvement program on urinary symptoms and sleep patterns of elderly Korean women with overactive bladder syndrome.BMC Urol.2019;19:109. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0540-yFunada S, Watanabe N, Goto T, et al.Clinical feasibility and acceptability of adding cognitive behavioral therapy to pharmacotherapy for drug-resistant overactive bladder in women: A single-arm pilot study.Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2021;13(1):69-78. doi:10.1111/luts.12333Robinson D, Giarenis I, Cardoza L.You are what you eat: the impact of diet on overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms.Maturitas.2014;79(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.06.009El Agamy DF, Naguib YM.CoQ10 ameliorates monosodium glutamate-induced alteration in detrusor activity and responsiveness in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and channel inhibiting mechanisms.BMC Urol.2019;19(1):103. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0534-9Ernst M, Gonka J, Povcher O, et al.Diet modification for overactive bladder: an evidence-based review.Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep.2015;10:25-30.doi:10.1007/s11884-014-0285-0Pasko P, Rodacki T, Domagala-Rodacka R, Owczarek D.A short review of drug–food interactions of medicines treating overactive bladder syndrome.Int J Clin Pharm. 2016;38(6):1350-6. doi:10.1007/s11096-016-0383-5Al-Shaiji TF, Radomski SB.Relationship between body mass index and overactive bladder in women and correlations with urodynamic evaluation.Int Neurourol J. 2012;16(3):126-31. doi:10.5213/inj.2012.16.3.126Lai HH, Helmuth ME, Smith AR, Wiseman JB, Gillespie BW, Kirkali Z.Relationship between central obesity, general obesity, overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence among male and female patients seeking care for their lower urinary tract symptoms.Urology.2019;123:34-43. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.09.012Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy eating for a healthy weight.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for a healthy weight.Corcos J, Przydacz M, Campeau L.CUA guideline on adult overactive bladder.Can Urol Assoc J.2017;11(5):E142-73. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4586Al-Shaikh G, Syed S, Osman S, Bogis A, Al-Badr A.Pessary use in stress urinary incontinence: a review of advantages, complications, patient satisfaction, and quality of life.Int J Womens Health. 2018;10:195-201. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S152616Willis-Gray MG, Dieter AA, Geller EJ.Evaluation and management of overactive bladder: strategies for optimizing care.Res Rep Urol. 2016;8:113-22. doi:10.2147/RRU.S93636American Urological Association.Diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) in adults: An AUA/SUFU guideline.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Melotti IGR, Juliato CRT, de Albuquerque Coelho SC, Lima M, Riccetto CLZ.Is there any difference between depression and anxiety in overactive bladder according to sex? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int Neurourol J. 2017;21(3):204-11. doi:10.5213/inj.1734890.445Lai HH, Gardner V, Vetter J, Andriole GL.Correlation between psychological stress levels and the severity of overactive bladder symptoms.BMC Urol. 2015;15:14. doi:10.1186/s12894-015-0009-6Baker J, Costa D, Nygaard I.Mindfulness-based stress reduction for treatment of urinary urge incontinence: a pilot study.Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2012;18(1):46-9. doi:10.1097/SPV.0b013e31824107a6Huang AJ, Grady D, Mendes WB, Hernandez C, Schembri M, Subak LL.A randomized controlled trial of device guided, slow-paced respiration in women with overactive bladder syndrome.J Urol.2019;202(4):787-94. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000000328McClurg D, Pollock A, Campbell P, et al.Conservative interventions for urinary incontinence in women: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(9):CD012337. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012337Park J, Park CH, Jun SE, Lee EJ, Kang SW, Kim N.Effects of biofeedback-based sleep improvement program on urinary symptoms and sleep patterns of elderly Korean women with overactive bladder syndrome.BMC Urol.2019;19:109. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0540-yFunada S, Watanabe N, Goto T, et al.Clinical feasibility and acceptability of adding cognitive behavioral therapy to pharmacotherapy for drug-resistant overactive bladder in women: A single-arm pilot study.Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2021;13(1):69-78. doi:10.1111/luts.12333Robinson D, Giarenis I, Cardoza L.You are what you eat: the impact of diet on overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms.Maturitas.2014;79(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.06.009El Agamy DF, Naguib YM.CoQ10 ameliorates monosodium glutamate-induced alteration in detrusor activity and responsiveness in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and channel inhibiting mechanisms.BMC Urol.2019;19(1):103. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0534-9Ernst M, Gonka J, Povcher O, et al.Diet modification for overactive bladder: an evidence-based review.Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep.2015;10:25-30.doi:10.1007/s11884-014-0285-0Pasko P, Rodacki T, Domagala-Rodacka R, Owczarek D.A short review of drug–food interactions of medicines treating overactive bladder syndrome.Int J Clin Pharm. 2016;38(6):1350-6. doi:10.1007/s11096-016-0383-5Al-Shaiji TF, Radomski SB.Relationship between body mass index and overactive bladder in women and correlations with urodynamic evaluation.Int Neurourol J. 2012;16(3):126-31. doi:10.5213/inj.2012.16.3.126Lai HH, Helmuth ME, Smith AR, Wiseman JB, Gillespie BW, Kirkali Z.Relationship between central obesity, general obesity, overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence among male and female patients seeking care for their lower urinary tract symptoms.Urology.2019;123:34-43. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.09.012Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy eating for a healthy weight.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for a healthy weight.Corcos J, Przydacz M, Campeau L.CUA guideline on adult overactive bladder.Can Urol Assoc J.2017;11(5):E142-73. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4586Al-Shaikh G, Syed S, Osman S, Bogis A, Al-Badr A.Pessary use in stress urinary incontinence: a review of advantages, complications, patient satisfaction, and quality of life.Int J Womens Health. 2018;10:195-201. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S152616Willis-Gray MG, Dieter AA, Geller EJ.Evaluation and management of overactive bladder: strategies for optimizing care.Res Rep Urol. 2016;8:113-22. doi:10.2147/RRU.S93636American Urological Association.Diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) in adults: An AUA/SUFU guideline.

Melotti IGR, Juliato CRT, de Albuquerque Coelho SC, Lima M, Riccetto CLZ.Is there any difference between depression and anxiety in overactive bladder according to sex? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int Neurourol J. 2017;21(3):204-11. doi:10.5213/inj.1734890.445

Lai HH, Gardner V, Vetter J, Andriole GL.Correlation between psychological stress levels and the severity of overactive bladder symptoms.BMC Urol. 2015;15:14. doi:10.1186/s12894-015-0009-6

Baker J, Costa D, Nygaard I.Mindfulness-based stress reduction for treatment of urinary urge incontinence: a pilot study.Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2012;18(1):46-9. doi:10.1097/SPV.0b013e31824107a6

Huang AJ, Grady D, Mendes WB, Hernandez C, Schembri M, Subak LL.A randomized controlled trial of device guided, slow-paced respiration in women with overactive bladder syndrome.J Urol.2019;202(4):787-94. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000000328

McClurg D, Pollock A, Campbell P, et al.Conservative interventions for urinary incontinence in women: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(9):CD012337. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012337

Park J, Park CH, Jun SE, Lee EJ, Kang SW, Kim N.Effects of biofeedback-based sleep improvement program on urinary symptoms and sleep patterns of elderly Korean women with overactive bladder syndrome.BMC Urol.2019;19:109. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0540-y

Funada S, Watanabe N, Goto T, et al.Clinical feasibility and acceptability of adding cognitive behavioral therapy to pharmacotherapy for drug-resistant overactive bladder in women: A single-arm pilot study.Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2021;13(1):69-78. doi:10.1111/luts.12333

Robinson D, Giarenis I, Cardoza L.You are what you eat: the impact of diet on overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms.Maturitas.2014;79(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.06.009

El Agamy DF, Naguib YM.CoQ10 ameliorates monosodium glutamate-induced alteration in detrusor activity and responsiveness in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and channel inhibiting mechanisms.BMC Urol.2019;19(1):103. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0534-9

Ernst M, Gonka J, Povcher O, et al.Diet modification for overactive bladder: an evidence-based review.Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep.2015;10:25-30.doi:10.1007/s11884-014-0285-0

Pasko P, Rodacki T, Domagala-Rodacka R, Owczarek D.A short review of drug–food interactions of medicines treating overactive bladder syndrome.Int J Clin Pharm. 2016;38(6):1350-6. doi:10.1007/s11096-016-0383-5

Al-Shaiji TF, Radomski SB.Relationship between body mass index and overactive bladder in women and correlations with urodynamic evaluation.Int Neurourol J. 2012;16(3):126-31. doi:10.5213/inj.2012.16.3.126

Lai HH, Helmuth ME, Smith AR, Wiseman JB, Gillespie BW, Kirkali Z.Relationship between central obesity, general obesity, overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence among male and female patients seeking care for their lower urinary tract symptoms.Urology.2019;123:34-43. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.09.012

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy eating for a healthy weight.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for a healthy weight.

Corcos J, Przydacz M, Campeau L.CUA guideline on adult overactive bladder.Can Urol Assoc J.2017;11(5):E142-73. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4586

Al-Shaikh G, Syed S, Osman S, Bogis A, Al-Badr A.Pessary use in stress urinary incontinence: a review of advantages, complications, patient satisfaction, and quality of life.Int J Womens Health. 2018;10:195-201. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S152616

Willis-Gray MG, Dieter AA, Geller EJ.Evaluation and management of overactive bladder: strategies for optimizing care.Res Rep Urol. 2016;8:113-22. doi:10.2147/RRU.S93636

American Urological Association.Diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) in adults: An AUA/SUFU guideline.

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