How to deal with anxiety bladder
Q I am 18 years old and have a frequent urination problem. Despite drinking less water, this problem has been continuing since a long time. What should I do?
— Anonymous
A You are suffering from a condition called overactive bladder or anxiety bladder. This is a common problem. You need to consult a urologist, who will perform certain basic investigation and prescribe medicines. This is a curable condition.
Behavioural interventions are the first choice in helping manage an overactive bladder. They’re often effective and they carry no side effects. Behavioural interventions may include: Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter. Your doctor or a physical therapist can help you learn how to do Kegel exercises correctly.
Healthy weight: Weight loss may help if you also have stress urinary incontinence.
Fluid consumption: Your doctor may recommend that you cap the fluids you consume at a certain amount and may suggest appropriate time to consume them.
Double voiding: To help empty your bladder completely, you wait a few minutes after urinating and then try to empty your bladder again. Scheduled toilet trips: Setting a schedule for toileting — for example, every two to four hours — gets you on track to urinate at the same time every day. Intermittent catheterisation: Using a catheter periodically to empty your bladder completely helps your bladder do what it can’t do by itself.
Absorbent pads: Wearing absorbent pads can protect your clothing and help you avoid limiting your activities. Absorbent garments come in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels.
Bladder training: Bladder training involves training yourself to delay voiding when you feel an urge to urinate. You begin with small delays, such as 30 minutes, and gradually work your way up to urinating every three to four hours.
Medication: Medication that relaxes the bladder can be helpful for relieving symptoms of overactive bladder and reducing episodes of urge incontinence.