3 Ways to Control Overactive Bladder

Catrina Crisp MD, a urogynecologist and pelvic reconstructive surgeon at Cincinnati Urogynecology Associates explains three tips for calming an overactive bladder.

Tip #1: Limit Caffeine Intake

"You may notice that within an hour – maybe less – after drinking your morning coffee, you're in the restroom. And again, 30 minutes later," Dr. Crisp says.

To avoid this, she suggests limiting your caffeine intake. Caffeinated beverages, like coffee and soft drinks, are very irritating to the bladder and are likely to increase your urgency frequency.

Tip #2: Cut Back on Highly Acidic Food and Drinks

Acidic food or drinks – like citrus fruits or juices – also aggravate the bladder and make urgency or frequency worse.

Tip #3: Do Your Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are pelvic muscle strengthening exercises that can help make the muscles under the uterus, bladder and bowels stronger.

"A lot of women don't do these correctly," Dr. Crisp explains. "So you'll want to look online and find instructions on exactly which muscles in the pelvic floor you're wanting to exercise."