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How do you manage OAB symptoms yourself?
As a first step, your doctor may suggest making some simple changes to your daily routine. These changes are things you can try on your own, such as:
- Changing when and how much you drink. Your doctor or nurse can help with this.
- Drinking less in the evening to avoid nighttime trips to the bathroom.
- Cutting back on things like artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, citrus, caffeine, and alcohol, which can irritate your bladder.
- If you are having urine leakage, using an absorbent pad to protect your clothes and skin.
- Trying to hold your bladder a bit longer when you feel the urge to go. This is called “bladder training” and can help retrain your bladder to hold more liquid, so you can go longer between bathroom trips.
- Doing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles. A specially trained physiotherapy can show you the right exercises to do.
- Keeping a healthy weight and staying active can help reduce pressure on your bladder and lower the risk of leaks. It’s also important to manage other health conditions like diabetes or metabolic syndrome, as they can affect your symptoms.
These changes can help you manage your symptoms.
This chapter contains general information about the treatment of OAB. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
Last updated: August 2025
Reviewed by:
- Dr. Cyrille Guillot-Tantay (YAU Working Group on Functional Urology)
- Mr. Tomasz Michalek (Patient Office EPAG)