As fun and rewarding as traveling can be, if not planned properly, it can also be incredibly stressful. This stress can be compounded when you’re faced with the possibility of traveling with overactive bladder. Take a little time to plan your trip and ease your mind with these five tips!
1. Plan Ahead
Take a look at a map of where you are headed before you get there to know where potential restroom stops are located. You can also check some hotels and resorts for restroom locations as well. Know ahead of time if you are driving, flying, or traveling by train so you can prepare with your transportation schedule in mind.
2. Stop Smart, Stop Often
While in everyday life it is better to slowly train your bladder to “hold it,” when you are on a trip, you don’t want to have to worry about when you will be able to find a bathroom next. When traveling, go ahead and use the restroom any time it is convenient, especially before you board a plane or when you know the next opportunity won’t come for an hour and a half or more.
3. Choose Your Seating Wisely
On a plane, at a restaurant, or attending a show can easily lead to you being stuck away from a restroom for an extended period of time. Sitting near the exit or the restroom will make getting up more comfortable for you, and less disruptive for your neighbors.
4. Think Before You Drink
Caffeine in coffee, sugar in sodas, and alcohol in wine and beer are all diuretics, meaning they can irritate your bladder and increase urge to urinate. When traveling to and from your destinations, water should be your drink of choice.
Guzzling water can lead to frequent bathroom breaks, but you should also avoid becoming dehydrated in an attempt to control your bladder. Not enough water will lead to concentrated urine, which is also a diuretic and can cause urinary tract infections, ouch! Avoid dehydration entirely by taking small sips of water at a consistent pace throughout the day.
5. Try Travel Medications
If you are seriously concerned about your OAB negatively affecting your vacation experience, there are effective medications available. While it is not recommended that you take these medications for an extended period of time, you can talk to your doctor about temporary medications for your trip to give you peace of mind.
If you have any questions or need to talk to one of our specialists, call 1-877-321-8452.
