Managing overactive bladder for better sleep and sex

Managing OAB for better sleep and sex provides tips on how to cope with an Over-Active Bladder (OAB) and avoid things that could ruin your sleep or sex. Just think about the inconvenience of the urge to pee when things are getting hot with your partner. Or how the urgency to take a pee in the middle of the night can disrupt your beauty sleep.

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The good news is that OAB doesn’t have to be a nuisance in your life. Because managing OAB for better sleep and sex can be achieved by taking the simple steps provided below:

How to manage OAB for a restful sleep

While it’s possible to sleep 6 to 8 hours at night without waking up to pee, this may be a tall order if you are suffering from OAB. This is because you wake up to pee more than two times during the night (referred to as nocturia). Although nocturia may also be caused by other health conditions, it’s important to rule health conditions out.

So the consequence of frequent loo visits during the night is that you feel tired and groggy the next day, cranky the next day. Nonetheless, there are things you can do before you head off to bed that will curb your nighttime trips to the bathroom:

Reduce fluid intake at bedtime

Several hours before sleep, if you can, reduce your fluid intake. That will help you completely empty your bladder before you hit the bed.

Avoid “triggers” 

Some foods and drinks can irritate your bladder and make you have to pee. Don’t know what yours are? Keep a food diary. It’ll help you keep track of what you eat and whether it makes you have to go.

Some of the most common triggers:

• Coffee, tea, and drinks with caffeine
• Alcohol
• Fizzy drinks
• Spicy foods
• Tomatoes
• Brown, dark, or milk chocolate

Pee before you go to bed

And then do it again. This is called “double voiding” which means you use the bathroom, wait a few minutes, and then go again. You can try this if you can’t really empty your bladder the first time.

Do kegels

Kegels exercises help to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Also, relax your bladder when you have to go. In order to do them, squeeze the muscles that control your urine flow. Hold for a few seconds, and then release. Try to do this a few times daily. You will see the difference in a few weeks. Additionally, Kegels exercise can help your sex life.

Train your bladder

Set a schedule to pee only at certain times during the day and adhere strictly to this routine. You’ll soon notice your bladder can hold more. Thereafter, space your bathroom trips further apart. You’ll find that over time you can wait 3 to 4 hours before you have to go. But be patient.

Ask your doctor about medications

When you pair them with lifestyle and behavior changes, drugs can help ease OAB. And you can sleep through the night. Therefore, you can talk to your doctor about appropriate medications to use to manage leaks. Furthermore, a wide range of disposable or reusable underwear is available for men and women.

Don’t allow OAB to spoil your sex life

Spontaneous and anticipation can be the best part of sex. Then again if you have OAB, it can also be a cause for anxiety and worry. For instance, studies show that women who have this condition are often wary of sex because they fear embarrassment. While one in 10 men would rather give up sex for a whole year than admit they suffer. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

These simple tricks can calm your nerves and get your love life back on track:

Talk about sex

Discuss sex with your partner. It’s a simply good way to avoid an embarrassing situation. It’s highly likely your partner will be more understanding than you think. And in any case, true intimacy is about being open and honest with your partner, isn’t it?

Don’t forget your kegels

They’ll keep your pelvic muscles strong and help reduce leaks during sex.

Limit fluids intake

Avoid drinking fluids about an hour before you plan to get intimate. And pee before sex. That’ll keep your bladder empty and make you less likely to leak once things get hot and heavy.

Be adventurous, try new positions

Be adventurous, identify new positions, and try one that won’t place direct pressure on your bladder or urethra.

Have clean towels

Keep clean towels handy. You can place them on the bed to absorb any leaks and avoid cleanups later.

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