OAB or overactive bladder is a health condition that causes sudden and frequent urge to urinate. Some people also experience unintentional loss of urine, which is also referred to as urinary incontinence. It is found that overactive bladder affects women more than men. Overactive bladder can be an embarrassing health condition to deal with, as it can limit one’s social and professional life. The following natural remedies can be used to effectively manage overactive bladder.

1. Do not go overboard on hydration
While it is important to stay hydrated for proper body functioning, drinking beyond the standard requirement can worsen overactive bladder. Doctors usually suggest drinking at least eight glasses of water every day. However, body fluids are processed based on diet and the surrounding environment. It is also not recommended to cut back on hydration, as lack of fluids can make the urine more concentrated, thereby irritating the bladder and leading to frequent urination. Hence, doctors suggest spacing out drinking water to make sure that it does not aggravate the condition. Skipping drinking water before bedtime also helps better manage an overactive bladder without disrupting sleep.

2. Maintain a diary to track symptoms
It is one of the most basic ways for managing overactive bladder. Maintaining a diary to record symptoms related to overactive bladder helps in tracking when the symptoms are aggravated. Sharing this information with a urologist can help them diagnose and prescribe treatment to manage overactive bladder. Maintaining a diary to keep a track of foods triggers can also better manage the condition.

3. Reduce coffee and wine intake
Caffeinated drinks, such as tea and coffee, and alcoholic beverages are bladder irritants. This means they can increase the urge to urinate. Hence, it is recommended to steer clear of these or at least reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks if a person has an overactive bladder.

4. Limit washing and wiping
Sanitary hygiene is important. However, it can be counterintuitive going overboard. Women with overactive bladder who are menstruating might feel the constant need to clean themselves. However, excessive cleaning makes the vaginal area dry and itchy and aggravates symptoms of overactive bladder. Hence, it is recommended to avoid going overboard on washing and wiping the area.

5. Exercises for bladder control
Changes in certain habits related urination can ease symptoms or help retain bladder strength in the long run. For instance, double voiding involves urinating between intervals of a few seconds. This helps empty the bladder fully. This reduces the urgency to urinate frequently. Other bladder control exercises such as Kegel exercises that involve pelvic floor muscles can strengthen the bladder and suppress the urge to urinate.