While traveling can be an exciting adventure, individuals who suffer from overactive bladders (OAB) often experience more anxiety and stress when they travel. It can be unnerving to imagine being far from a restroom, on long flights or navigating uncharted territory. You can still enjoy your travels without letting OAB hold you back, though, if you prepare ahead of time and have a proper mindset. This informative handbook will help you remain at ease and confident when traveling.
Schedule Your Bathroom Breaks Well In Advance
For those with OAB, access to restrooms is one of their main concerns. Develop a plan ahead for your restroom breaks to help reduce this anxiety and worry.
- Assess Restroom Facilities: Prior to your trip, find out if there are restrooms at airports, train stations, and other locations along the route you’re taking. Various apps, like “Flush” or “SitOrSquat,” can aid you in locating restrooms quickly.
- Choose Your Seat Strategically: If you’re traveling by air, go for an aisle seat near the bathroom. You’ll be able to get up as needed and not bother those around you because of this.
- Schedule Pit Stops: When organizing a road trip, take breaks into account. It can be easier to manage your bladder and less aggravating to stop every couple of hours.
Pack an OAB Travel Kit
You’ll feel more at ease and less agitated if you have a travel kit filled with necessities.
If there are any leaks, you can rest easy knowing that you have absorbent pads or liners. Pick out products that provide both comfort and discretion.
- Extra Clothing: Just in case, include a change of clothes in your carry-on.
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes and paper towels: For quick cleanups in the event that restrooms aren’t quite as clean as you’d like.
- Drugs: If you take OAB medicine, make sure you have enough to cover for your trip and include it in your carry-on bag for convenient access and availability.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Drinking and eating habits can have a significant impact on your bladder. Although it’s critical to maintain hydration, some food and beverages might make OAB symptoms worse.
- Stay away from bladder irritants: Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and foods high in acidity or spice may all contribute to aggravation of the bladder. Refraining from these when traveling is highly recommended.
- Be Smart About Your Hydration: Avoid completely cutting back on your water intake since dehydration can concentrate urine and irritate the bladder. Rather, hydrate yourself with water throughout the day, regulating your intake to accommodate trips to the restroom.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Opt for foods that are gentle on your bladder, like whole grains, lean meats, and non-acidic fruits and vegetables.
Practice Relaxation Techniques and Bladder Training Exercises
Your ability to manage OAB symptoms can be improved by bladder training and relaxation techniques, particularly in unusual circumstances.
- Thinking about bladder training before your trip: In order to increase bladder capacity and reduce urgency, this involves progressively extending the amount of time between bathroom visits.
- Deep breathing and mindfulness: The symptoms of OAB might be made worse by tension. While traveling, keep your composure and attention by doing mindfulness activities like meditation and deep breathing.
Always Be Ready for the Unexpected
Things don’t always go as planned, even with the best of preparations. Stress management can be supported by flexibility and readiness for unforeseen situations.
- Be Prepared for Delays: Be ready for any kind of delay, including traffic jams and delayed flights. Always keep an eye out for the closest restroom and pack additional supplies in your carry-on bag.
- Express Your Needs: Don’t be afraid to let people know about your condition if you’re traveling with someone else. People will usually realize that you need to stop regularly and make accommodations.
- Use Amenities When Available: Take advantage of restroom opportunities when they present themselves, even if you don’t feel like using them. Later on, this could potentially avert emergencies.
Think About Surgery and Medical Options Before Your Trip
Discuss other treatment alternatives with your doctor if you have an important getaway coming up and your OAB syndrome is extremely serious.
- Medication: There are particular drugs that can mitigate the frequency and urgency of urine. Consult your physician to determine whether taking a short-term or long-term drug will be advantageous for you while you’re away.
- Botox or Nerve Stimulation: Botox injections or sacral nerve stimulation may be taken into account as therapy for those with severe OAB. Find out if they are right for you by speaking with your healthcare professional.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Even though traveling with OAB may seem difficult, having an optimistic mentality can really help. Pay more attention to the pleasure of your travels than any possible complications. Remember that you have power over both your experience and your health.
- Remain Adaptable: If things don’t go as planned, just make adjustments and press on. If a plan change must be made, that’s OK.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Each successful toilet break or relaxing car ride is a win. Enjoy these moments and remind yourself that you are capable of managing OAB while on the go.
Recognize Your Rights
It’s vital to know your rights as a passenger with a medical condition when flying.
- Pre-boarding: Many airlines provide pre-boarding for travelers with medical disabilities. As an outcome, you could get extra time before the plane fills up to settle in and use the restroom.
- Accessible restrooms: Let the flight attendants know if you need to use the restroom occasionally. They can often assist you navigate your way to the restroom and improve the comfort of your flight.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t have to be an unpleasant ordeal to travel with an overactive bladder. You may efficiently cope with your symptoms and still enjoy your trip with proper planning, the supplies you need, and a positive mental attitude. Recall that many individuals use OAB to travel seamlessly and continue to tour the world, so you’re not alone on your adventure. You’ll be well on your way to a relaxing and delightful excursion if you follow these suggestions. Safe travels!
Dr Ng Kai Lyn – Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
38 Irrawady Road 05-34/35
Mount Elizabeth Novena
Singapore 329563
+65 60 1115 31