Other Things You Can Do

In addition to taking Detrol^® LA (tolterodine tartrate extended release capsules), there are other things you can do to help manage your overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, including:

• Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles to help stop urine from leaking
• Retraining your bladder to wait longer between bathroom trips
• Making diet and lifestyle changes

Strengthening pelvic floor muscles (PFMs)

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that help hold urine in the bladder. PFMs can become weaker with age or childbirth. But certain exercises, called Kegels, can help strengthen PFMs. That can help keep urine from leaking.

Tips for doing Kegel exercises:

Find your PFMs by imagining trying to control passing gas. Or, think of the muscles you use to try to stop the flow of urine. After locating the correct muscles, squeeze them for a few seconds. Then relax for an equal duration. Work your way up to 3 sets of 10 squeezes every day. Alternate between lying down, sitting, or standing when doing the exercises. This can help you to have more control.

Retraining your bladder

If you've been living with overactive bladder (OAB) for a while, your bladder may have gotten into the habit of going too often. Retraining your bladder means getting your bladder to break this habit. It involves doing simple things over a period of time to get your bladder used to waiting longer between bathroom trips.

Here’s how you can get started:

If you go every hour, then try to wait for 1 hour and 15 minutes. When you can wait that long for 1 or 2 weeks, try to increase the time. Try 15 more minutes at first. Then, little by little, wait longer. Try to stick to your timing as much as you can, whether or not you have to go.

When you have a strong urge to go, stop what you're doing and sit down when you can. It's easier to control your urge when you're still. Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles quickly several times. These are the muscles that help you hold urine in.

Relax the rest of your body. Take a few deep breaths to help you. Wait until the urge subsides. Walk to the bathroom. Don't rush.

Making diet and lifestyle changes

By making small changes in your daily habits, you can help manage your OAB symptoms. Try the tips below to help find what works best for you.

Watch what you eat and drink

Some foods and drinks may make your OAB symptoms worse. For instance, caffeinated drinks and acidic foods can irritate the bladder and make you go more often.

To help manage your OAB symptoms, try to avoid the following foods and drinks:

• Beverages with caffeine (such as coffee or tea)
• Alcohol
• Carbonated or "fizzy" drinks (such as soda)
• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruits and juices (such as orange juice)
• Tomato-based foods (such as spaghetti sauce)

Watch your weight

Losing weight, if you need to, can improve OAB symptoms. Studies show that people with excess weight may be at higher risk of OAB. Extra weight may also put more pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor muscles.

Try to stay regular

Normal bowel activity helps keep added pressure off the bladder, while constipation may make OAB symptoms worse. To help manage constipation, try to eat more fiber found in foods like apples, spinach, or whole grain breads. Drinking adequate water can also help prevent constipation.