Vacationing with overactive bladder can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are our top 10 travel tips for OAB:
1. Start training now. The months leading up to travel day are the perfect time to start training your muscles for the trip ahead. Practice timing when you have to go and see if you can prolong the space between for even a few minutes at a time. Kegel exercises performed daily will also have plenty of time to strengthen your pelvic floor.
2. Choose your destination wisely. The best places to stay if you have severe OAB are resorts and hotels with large bathrooms in lots of convenient locations. You might even find that some cruise ships make excellent vacation locations because they have multiple bathroom options on every floor.
3. Choose your seat wisely. The best methods of travel for someone with OAB are trains and buses. Be sure to choose a seat near the restroom and on an isle.
4. Do your route research. If driving, check your route for stops at a frequency you prefer. The extra step will be well worth it to avoid driving past the only pitstop by accident!
5. Pack a “just in case” kit. Even if you never use them, a few backup items can give you peace of mind. Include a pair of underwear, toilet paper, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, seat covers and even a few incontinence pads if they work for you.
6. Check in as early as possible. Arrive early when boarding methods of travel to build in time for a bathroom break. If at all possible, utilize online check-ins to skip the line entirely!
7. Call ahead for accommodations. Wherever you choose to stay, don’t assume all amenities are included. Call ahead to see what hotels will provide laundry, extra sheets and a guaranteed bathroom on your floor or in your room.
8. Watch what you eat. Avoid diuretic foods like spices, citrus fruits, tomatoes, caffeinated beverages, alcohol and chocolate.
9. Monitor your water intake. On travel day, you might reduce your water intake for travel hours only. When you do drink water, make sure it is in small sips spaced out over time.
10. Consider travel medications. While they aren’t safe to use for prolonged periods of time, your urologist may be able to prescribe temporary medications to make traveling with OAB easier.
If you’re interested in what medicinal treatments are available to the OAB traveler, or if you would like some more one-on-one consulting with your urologist before you embark on your journey, call us at 1-877-321-8452.
