Overactive bladder can be either a condition or a symptom of another underlying condition. Regardless, the symptoms can disrupt daily activities and take a toll on overall quality of life. While there are plenty of effective treatment options, some individuals may consider alternative therapy as a supplement. To help ensure that you have all the information necessary for care, here's some information on natural remedies for overactive bladder and their effectiveness.
What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate, often leading to involuntary urine leakage (urge incontinence). It occurs when the bladder muscles contract unexpectedly, even when it isn't full. Some of the most common symptoms of OAB include:
- Frequent urination — Typically more than 8 times a day.
- Sudden, strong urge to urinate — Hard to control and can happen unexpectedly.
- Urgency incontinence — Involuntary urine leakage due to a strong urge.
- Nocturia — Waking up multiple times at night to urinate.
Typical OAB Treatment Options
Traditional treatments for overactive bladder are studied and proven to be effective. This is why they're used commonly in urology. Although not all treatments will have the same effect across different individuals, they're worth trying during the management of overactive bladder. These treatments aim to reduce urgency, frequency, and bladder leaks by addressing the underlying causes of OAB. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Bladder training — Delaying urination to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits in order to improve bladder control.
- Pelvic floor exercises — Strengthening pelvic muscles to reduce urgency and leakage. Kegel exercises are the most common type.
- Scheduled voiding — Urinating at set times to retrain the bladder.
- Dietary changes — Avoiding food and drinks considered bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.
- Fluid management — Drinking adequate but not excessive fluids and limiting intake before bedtime.
- Medication — Medications such as anticholinergics, beta-3 agonists, or even topical estrogen can help control urinary symptoms in people with OAB.
- Botox injections — Temporarily relax bladder muscles to reduce urgency and leakage.
- Nerve stimulation (e.g., percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, sacral neuromodulation) — Uses mild electrical impulses to regulate bladder function.
Your doctor may also recommend a range of high-quality urologic products to help you manage symptoms. If, despite implementing one or more of these treatments, you continue to experience symptoms of an overactive bladder and complications like urinary tract infections, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases, but there are options. Some of these include things like bladder augmentation or urinary diversion. Your doctor can discuss these in more detail with you if necessary.
What Are Alternative Therapies?
Alternative therapies are treatments and healing practices that fall outside conventional Western medicine. They're often used alongside or instead of traditional medical therapies to promote well-being, manage pain, or address various health conditions. Some alternative therapies have roots in ancient medical traditions, while others have emerged more recently. However, many of these practices aren't medically tested and approved for their effectiveness, so they're not always "prescribed" by doctors. That's not to say that natural or home remedies are not beneficial. Herbal medicine can help improve overall health, but it's not recommended to use them as a replacement for more traditional treatments.
Alternative Therapies for Overactive Bladder
Some people may feel that traditional treatments for an overactive bladder are time-consuming, or maybe they don't want to take prescription medication for long periods. Regardless of the reason, certain individuals prefer a more holistic, alternative treatment for overactive bladder and other conditions. Although a few herbal remedies can be tried, it's important to understand that there's little scientific evidence showing that alternative treatments are as effective as more traditional ones when managing OAB symptoms.
It's also important to remember that natural remedies for an overactive bladder may not be approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Moreover, certain herbs and supplements can interact with medications, so it's important to speak with your doctor before trying alternative options. With that being said, here are a few
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. Some researchers suggest that improved blood flow to the bladder and pelvic region may help with bladder function and control. While there is limited evidence about the relationship between L-arginine and an overactive bladder, some studies indicate it may benefit overall urinary tract health. However, individuals with heart conditions or those taking blood pressure medications should consult a doctor before use.
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps with various things in the body. Some experts suggest that taking a magnesium hydroxide supplement may help reduce bladder muscle spasms, which can help ensure complete emptying during bathroom visits. Other studies have also found magnesium hydroxide improves urinary incontinence in women, but this may not be without side effects. Magnesium can also be found in plenty of healthy foods, but it's important to speak to your doctor first, as those with kidney disease need extra precautions.
Cleavers
Cleavers (Galium aparine) is an herb traditionally used for urinary tract health due to its diuretic properties. It may help flush out toxins, reduce bladder irritation, and support kidney and bladder function, potentially reducing irritation that contributes to overactive bladder symptoms. Still, since it has diuretic effects, it may increase urination frequency initially, which may not be ideal for everyone managing OAB.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is commonly used to support prostate health in men, but it may also benefit individuals with overactive bladder. Some research suggests it can help reduce urinary frequency and urgency, particularly in those with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). However, evidence of its effectiveness for OAB in the general population is mixed.
Resiniferatoxin
Resiniferatoxin is a naturally occurring compound derived from the resin spurge plant (a cactus-like plant). It works by desensitizing certain nerve receptors in the bladder that trigger urgency and frequent urination. Some studies suggest that resiniferatoxin may help reduce overactive bladder symptoms, particularly in individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments. Still, it should be taken with caution.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and muscle strength, including the muscles involved in bladder control. Some studies have found that individuals with low vitamin D levels may have a higher risk of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms. Ensuring adequate vitamin D intake through sunlight, diet, or supplements may help improve bladder function, but excessive amounts can create complications.
Gosha-Jinki-Gan
This Japanese herbal blend of 10 herbs may decrease symptoms of OAB, such as urgency, frequency, and nighttime urination (nocturia). There have been some animal studies with this herb that show promising results regarding bladder capacity and contractions, but again, more research is needed.
Buchu
Buchu (Agathosma betulina) is a South African herb traditionally used for urinary tract and bladder health. It has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which some believe may help reduce bladder irritation and improve symptoms of overactive bladder. While it has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, scientific research on its effectiveness for OAB is limited and should be used with cuation.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the compound found in chilis that gives them their heat. Some studies have found that it can be used as an effective therapy to block signals from the nerves within the bladder that remind us of our urge to urinate. This has resulted in decreased trips to the bathroom and better overall bladder control. Other studies find that it may help individuals experiencing pelvic pain syndrome (a symptom of OAB).
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of antioxidants, fatty acids, and essential nutrients like magnesium and zinc, which may support bladder health. Some research suggests that pumpkin seed extract can help reduce urinary frequency and improve bladder function, particularly in individuals with OAB or urinary incontinence. The beneficial effects are thought to be linked to their ability to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and support hormonal balance. Pumpkin seed supplements are generally well-tolerated, but it’s always best to discuss them with a doctor before use.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body to promote balance and healing. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce bladder spasms and urinary urgency by influencing the nervous system and improving bladder control. While acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained professional, results can vary from person to person. It may be a useful complementary therapy for OAB, especially for those who prefer non-medication approaches.
Alternative treatments may help with overactive bladder, but they shouldn't replace first-line treatments. Since they may cause side effects or interact with other drugs, always talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, and contact them if you notice anything after starting. To help you along your journey, talk to your doctor about ordering insurance-covered urology products from Byram Healthcare today.
