Over the Counter Remedy for an Overactive Bladder

Medication is sometimes used to control an overactive bladder. Commonly used medications include Ditropan, Detrol and Detrol LA, but these are available by prescription only. There are currently no over-the-counter medications for an overactive bladder, but there are things you can do to decrease or altogether resolve symptoms.

Remedy for Overactive Bladder

• An overactive bladder results from involuntary contractions of the urinary bladder's muscle. The contractions result in urinary urgency, which is the immediate and unstoppable need to urinate. An overactive bladder is a form of urinary incontinence, and can be managed with behavioral therapies, dietary modification and medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct an overactive bladder.

  The first approach to treating an overactive bladder involves exercises and dietary modification. Exercises include Kegel exercises, which help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which help to support the bladder. Daily exercising of the pelvic muscles can improve, resolve and prevent overactive bladder and other types of urinary incontinence. Special vaginal weight training exercises and electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor, both of which are done in conjunction with Kegel exercises, can also help to strengthen the pelvic muscles and improve an overactive bladder.

  Do Kegel exercises daily to strengthen your pelvic muscles, which in turn support the bladder and promote continence. Perform Kegel exercises 30 to 80 times daily for at least eight weeks in order to see improvement. Women can also use vaginal cones or weighted balls to promote an increase in pelvic floor strength.

  Modify your diet to control fluid intake, and stop drinking fluids at least two hours before you go to sleep. Reducing the amount of urine that your bladder must handle at any given time can help to relieve urinary incontinence. Additionally, limit your consumption of spicy foods, highly acidic foods and carbonated and caffeinated drinks, as these too can irritate your bladder and contribute to it being overactive.

  If your overactive bladder persists, speak with your family physician. He can go over your health history and any current medical conditions to determine if there is a cause for your overactive bladder. Together you can come up with a treatment plan that may or may not involve additional prescription-only solutions for your overactive bladder.