Q&A: Overcoming Overactive Bladder

My doctor wants to put me on medication for overactive bladder and incontinence but I would really prefer a drug-free option. Do you have any suggestions?

Research has shown that weight loss often leads to significant improvements in incontinence, so if you are overweight, consider making a conscious effort to do something about it. You should also regularly practice Kegel exercises which strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.

On the supplement front, one promising product is BetterWOMAN, a blend of Chinese herbs that modulates hormones, boosts neuromuscular function, and increases circulation in the muscles involved in bladder support, resulting in better urinary control.

One study looked at 38 women, ages 35 to 78, who suffered from stress incontinence (brought on by laughing, sneezing, etc.), frequent urination, or urgency (the immediate and urgent need to urinate). After using BetterWOMAN for two months, 76 percent of the women suffering from stress incontinence noticed marked improvement, as did 70 percent of those with urgency problems. Furthermore, frequent bathroom trips were reduced in 73 percent of the study participants. Look for BetterWOMAN in your health food store or purchase it from the manufacturer.

Another natural product you may want to try is Bell Bladder Control Tea. This tea contains several herbs and extracts, such as cranberry, uva ursi, nettle, goldenrod, and marshmallow, that have proven benefits for the urinary tract. In addition to reducing stress, urge, and other types of incontinence, it also helps prevent bladder and urinary tract infections. If you visit the manufacturer’s website, you can read several customer reviews and testimonials.

This company also makes an herbal tea for male urinary problems called Bell Prostate Ezee Flow Tea that gets rave reviews. These reviews are also available on the company’s website. Both teas, which cost about $20 for a month’s supply and come with a money-back guarantee, are available in thousands of health food stores in the US and Canada, and from their website.

If these products don’t work for you, consider a course of acupuncture. Several studies have demonstrated that this ancient Chinese therapy is beneficial for both stress and urge incontinence. To find a licensed acupuncturist in your area, visit nccaom.org.

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