Written by Keri Wiginton
Medically Reviewed by Nazia Q Bandukwala, DO on August 08, 2024

Talk to your doctor about your OAB goals and potential lifestyle changes

Meet Your Guide
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Debbie Cheskiewicz
Advocate

After a year of urinary accidents, Debbie Cheskiewicz of New York decided not to put her bladder health on the back burner anymore. Although overactive bladder (OAB) is a sensitive subject, she learned to think of it as something that’s just like any other condition. “Using pads or underwear for OAB is just part of life for people,” she says. She tried a couple of medications before finding one without bothersome side effects. And she also does exercises to strengthen her pelvic floor muscles.

Show Sources

SOURCES:

Debbie Cheskiewicz, Lockport, NY. 

Leslie M. Rickey, MD, MPH, associate professor of urology and of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, Yale School of Medicine. 

Urology Care Foundation: “Overactive Bladder (OAB),” “The Secret is Out…We All Poop! Learn the Basics About Constipation and Urine Control.” 

Urology: “Multicomponent Intervention for Overactive Bladder in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” 

Mayo Clinic: “Overactive bladder.”

Colorado Women’s Health (University of Colorado): “Overactive Bladder Diet: Food, Wine & Other Considerations for Smart Eating & Drinking.” 

The New England Journal of Medicine: “Weight Loss to Treat Urinary Incontinence in Overweight and Obese Women.” 

International Neurology Journal: “Mediterranean Diet and Overactive Bladder,” “Effectiveness of Fluid and Caffeine Modifications on Symptoms in Adults With Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review.” 

Cleveland Clinic: “Overactive Bladder.” 

UW Health: “MyChart: Manage your healthcare from anywhere.” 

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