Treating


Overactive Bladder


If you have overactive bladder, the goal of treatment is to stop or reduce strong, sudden urges and leaks. To do this, you and your doctor will work together to make a treatment plan. This plan may include:


Pelvic muscle exercises (called Kegels)—These are exercises to strengthen your pelvic and sphincter muscles. This improves your ability to hold back urine. See p. 8.


Bladder retraining—This can help you hold more urine for longer periods of time. You and your doctor will make a schedule that slowly increases the amount of time between bathroom trips.


Medicines—These relieve urges by blocking the nerves that signal your bladder to contract too soon. As with all medicines, it’s important to take them as prescribed. And discuss any side effects with your doctor.


If medicine and behavioral treatments haven’t worked, your doctor may suggest other treatments.


6 |HealthyAdvice.com


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