Frequent bathroom breaks are essential on long road trips, if you have OAB
Photo: Andre Buhrer via Pixabay
According to Healthline, nearly 33 million Americans suffer from an overactive bladder. It’s a medical condition where an individual feels the need to frequently urinate even when they don’t have a full bladder.
Having OAB can make road trips challenging. Here are some practical tips for traveling when you have this condition.
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Map out your route to help ensure there are plenty of restroom breaks en route to your destination
Photo: Francesco Paggiaro
When putting together a road trip itinerary, plan out the route and include rest area stops along the way. Schedule bathroom breaks every 2-4 hours to reduce bladder strain and have a more comfortable drive.
Bladder exercises are a great way to prepare your body for a long road trip. Techniques like Kegels and “freeze and squeeze” strengthen your bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
You can also practice something called “timed voiding,” which is simply establishing set intervals for bathroom breaks. This type of training starts with shorter intervals of time then you gradually increase the time between voiding, so you can comfortably hold your pee for longer.
If you have OAB, packing light usually isn’t a good idea. Instead, try to pack your suitcase with everything you might need during the road trip and once you arrive at your destination. Consider bringing the following items, depending on the severity of your symptoms: extra underwear, absorbent liners or briefs, and any creams and prescriptions you take to manage your condition.
Help your bladder out on by limiting beverages right before a road trip
Photo: Willfried Wende via Pixabay
Try to limit drinks prior to embarking on your trip. This will help you travel for longer before needing to make a stop. On a related note, liquids like coffee and soda can exacerbate OAB symptoms, so consider avoiding these beverages when traveling, if possible.
If you have severe OAB symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with your physician about taking medication. Some commonly-prescribed drugs for this condition include Ditropan XL, Hyosyne, and Levsin.
Speaking about bladders and having to pee… Read this article to find out why holding your bladder on long drives can harm your health. And check out these helpful strategies for planning a future road trip.
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Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.
