Travel Tips for People with Overactive Bladder (OAB)

If you have an overactive bladder, you may have learned ways to manage it in your day-to-day life. However, dealing with this issue becomes more difficult while travelling. But, a little planning and preparation can make all the difference.

Overactive bladder is when someone frequently feels like they need to urinate, but doesn’t have a full bladder to trigger that sensation. A healthy adult bladder can hold up to 16 ounces of urine, and an average person will urinate anywhere from four to 10 times a day – depending on how much they drink. For someone who has an overactive bladder, it can feel like their bladder is holding twice the amount of urine, causing a sudden urge to urinate.

Travelling with Overactive Bladder

Travelling with an overactive bladder is possible; you just need to be prepared. Allow yourself to enjoy your travels by following these great tips.

• Planning Your Route

If you’re taking a road trip, plan to stop roughly every 2-4 hours to reduce strain on your bladder and avoid any incontinence issues.

• Limit Your Liquid

Before leaving for your trip, limit your liquid intake. This will help you avoid too many bathroom trips, thus shortening your delays.

• Dress for the Occasion

Finding something that’s comfortable to wear during your journey is pretty straightforward. Bring a spare outfit, just in case. We also recommend wearing backup incontinence protection to avoid any embarrassment. There are hundreds of different products on the market, but it’s best to test them out before the day of the big trip. Find something comfortable for you and stick with it. It’s always better to be prepared for the worst.

• Reduce Irritants

To keep your overactive bladder under control, you need to make lifestyle changes and practice good habits. As we all know, this can be hard. It’s even more difficult during vacations. To make sure you’re prepared, make these changes before you leave.

• Packing Tips

To make sure you’re covered for your trip, overpack your suitcase. Yes, we know that’s contradictory to the mentality of minimalistic travel, but when dealing with OAB, you want to have everything you might need at the tip of your fingertips.

In addition to plenty of extra clothes and incontinence help, don’t forget to pack your overactive bladder medications. Talk to your doctor about stocking up on extras if you’re going to be gone for extended periods and see if you’re a good candidate for bladder relaxants.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a trip with an overactive bladder, don’t worry. As long as you make the preparations mentioned in this article, you will be able to enjoy your time off. If you have any questions or concerns about travelling with an overactive bladder, talk to your doctor or urologist today.