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3. Better Bowel Habits
The bladder and the bowel are next-door neighbors, and when one isn’t working properly, the other takes notice. Constipation is itself uncomfortable, but a full bowel will also press on the bladder, making OAB urgency and incontinence a lot worse. The constant pressure is difficult to ignore and can even lead to chronic pelvic muscle problems, which is another reason to treat constipation as quickly as you can.
Start by increasing your soluble fiber and insoluble fiber intake, since both are important for a healthy digestive tract. A selection of whole grains like barley and oatmeal, fresh and dried fruit, green veggies, and beans should get you back on track, but if diet alone doesn’t do the trick, talk to your doctor about incorporating a laxative.
What causes overactive bladder? We go over some of the potential reasons why you may be experiencing OAB symptoms and what treatments are.