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| Dianna Malkowski |
As Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs advises women to consider
alternatives before buying Oxytrol to treat overactive bladder, sometimes the
best solution is a combination of nutrition and lifestyle changes.
The Oxytrol for Women patch has been available without a prescription since last fall as a possible solution to overactive bladder. According to a Feb. 17 article in The Washington Post, experts at Consumer Reports’ Best Buy Drugs say “women should think twice before rushing out to buy it.”
There are many cases where prescription medications may not
be the best or only solution. Sometimes a medication isn’t as effective as
hoped or its side effects overshadow the relief it provides. Possible side
effects of patches and pills to treat overactive bladder can include dizziness,
blurred vision, dry mouth, mental confusion, skin rash at patch application
site and constipation, according to The Washington Post article. Constipation
can also contribute to incontinence when compacted stool causes nearby bladder
nerves to become overactive.
I encourage anyone with overactive bladder to first try
these nutrition and fitness tips:
Monitoring fluid intake: Common sense says drinking too much
fluid can overwork a bladder, but dehydration from drinking too little can
cause urine to become concentrated with bladder-irritating salts. It can be
helpful to keep a daily journal of fluid intake and bathroom visits to
determine patterns. Keeping a record also assists health care providers in
monitoring a patient’s condition if needed.
Avoiding bladder irritants: For those with bladder control
problems, it may be helpful to limit alcohol and caffeine. Both are bladder
stimulants and diuretics, which can cause a sudden need to urinate. Even teas
and carbonated beverages may contribute to bladder problems. Other known
irritants are sugar and artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, spicy foods, and
acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus.
Increasing fiber: Eating a high-fiber diet can help prevent
constipation. Insoluble fiber helps move stool and is found in vegetables,
wheat bran and other whole grains, nuts, beans and berries. Soluble fiber helps
soothe the digestive tract and is therefore often recommended for those who
suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Soluble fiber is found in fruits such as
apples and oranges, pasta, white bread and potatoes.
Practicing Kegel exercises: Keeping pelvic muscles strong is
important at any age. A doctor may recommend Kegel exercises, which are done by
tightening and strengthening the pelvic muscles. This non-surgical way to
improve bladder control can be practiced discreetly for just 5 minutes at a
time. Here’s how to do Kegels.
The symptoms of overactive bladder, such as feeling the need
to use the bathroom eight or more times a day, can be caused by other
conditions and medications, too. See your health care provider to rule out
other possible conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, and tell her
about any medications you’re taking.
Visit our Incontinence page to read more about types and treatments, or stay on our blog to read more about the good, the bad and the ugly sides of Oxytrol.
Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant
and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound
healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. She serves on the board of
professional advisers for The CareGiver Partnership and enjoys working with
patients and caregivers alike. Ask Dianna a question, or call The CareGiver Partnership at
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