Overactive bladder (OAB) tends to have a deteriorating impact on almost every aspect of one’s life. It might force a person to bail on dinner dates, vacations, and multiple different social events. At times, people lose out on a lot of valuable time, only because they fear that the OAB might trigger at an inappropriate time, and put them in an embarrassing situation. Thus, one has to work towards treating it.

At present, there is a myriad of treatment options for overactive bladder available. From lifestyle changes to medications. At times, a mix of both, there are several things that one can do to heal overactive bladder. Let’s address them one by one.

Drug treatments
Some people with overactive bladder find the medications to be extraordinarily helpful. However, before one follows any medication, they should consult their doctor. Moreover, when one starts drug treatment, they’ll have to visit the doctor a couple of times for follow-up-sessions. He will analyze the impact that these medications have. It is also an important measure to ensure that the drugs do not cause any harm. It includes:

• Antidiuretics and diuretics: These include medications for OAB patients who primarily encounter a problem during the night. So, the doctor will advise a person to take the drug either in the evening or late afternoon.
• Antimuscarinics: These medications include tolterodine and oxybutynin.
• Mirabegron: These treat the bladder by relaxing it. So, the bladder would be able to store and fill urine via the repetitive use of the medication.
• Antidepressants: Medicines like duloxetine reduce the impact of the OAB by accentuating muscle strength in the urethra.

Surgery
Depending upon the symptoms and the causes of OAB, the doctor might recommend surgery. However, there are multiple options available in this, and the choice would primarily depend on a person’s sex, cause of OAB, and severeness of the symptoms. It would help if a person discussed the options with their doctor and then make a choice. However, in most cases, surgery is only the last resort for treatment.

Nerve stimulation
It is a promising and simple treatment option for overactive bladder. It is used as a measure when the medications or lifestyle changes are not bringing adequate results. The method also works for people who are experiencing side effects because of drugs.

Natural methods
Some natural methods that are used to treat an overactive bladder are as follows.

• Pelvic floor exercises: Often regarded as the Kegel exercises, this helps strengthen the muscles that control urination.
• Bladder training: It is the method that involves no medication. However, if done right, it can be beneficial. For this, one has to set a schedule for going to the bathroom. Other times, one should try and control the urges.

Lifestyle changes
Those suffering from an overactive bladder should incorporate the following changes in their lifestyle to better manage the condition.

• Keep a check on body weight: Obesity might lead to OAB because when a person is overweight, the pressure on the pelvic floor is more. So, shedding excess weight would help.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can lead to OAB in both women and men. So, it is best to quit the habit.