The NHS defines an overactive bladder (OAB) as a regular, sudden and compelling need

or desire to pass urine, that can happen at any time during the day or night. 

An estimated five to seven million people in the UK suffer with this condition, which can have a debilitating impact on every aspect of their lives. 

Studies have revealed that anxiety and stress over OAB can increase the severity of symptoms, creating a vicious circle which can be difficult to escape. 

If you are dealing with an overactive bladder, it’s important to talk to your doctor so they can rule out any medical issues. 

My solution focused hypnotherapy can also help break the cycle, helping reduce the intensity of your OAB symptoms and the associated stress, leaving you free to get on with life. 

Book a discovery call to find out more 

What are overactive bladder symptoms? 

Someone with an overactive bladder can experience one or more of several common symptoms: 

Urgency incontinence 

An unexpected and uncontrollable urge to urinate, caused when the bladder squeezes with little or no warning, is among the most common OAB  symptoms. 

Urge incontinence

People with urinary urgency often experience such a strong need to wee that they leak urine before they can get to the toilet. Urge incontinence can not only exacerbate stress levels, it also makes people feel embarrassed and ashamed. 

Frequency incontinence 

Most people go to the toilet anywhere between four to 10 times per day, depending on how much they drink. People with OAB feel an intense need to pass urine many times within a much shorter timeframe. 

Nocturia

An overactive bladder doesn’t just disrupt lives during the daytime. The compulsion to get up several times in the night can disrupt people’s sleep patterns, leaving them exhausted and anxious.

The causes of an overactive bladder 

There are a range of medical conditions that lead to an overactive bladder, affecting people of all ages. They include:

• Diabetes
• Urinary tract infections
• Menopausal hormonal changes in women
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease 
• Bladder stones and/or tumours
• Enlarged prostate
• Weakened pelvic floor muscles 
• Constipation
• Reduced cognitive function 
• Diuretic medication

As well as medical conditions, people’s lifestyle can also play a role in their OAB symptoms too. They can include: 

• Drinking too many caffeinated or alcohol drinks
• Not drinking enough fluids 
• Eating too many acidic foods and drinks 
• A low-fibre diet 
• Smoking 
• Going to the toilet ‘just in case’ 
• Being overweight 

Tell me your situation in an initial consultation  

The impact of an overactive bladder 

Living with an overactive bladder can have a devastating impact, both physically and emotionally. It can lead to: 

Increased anxiety

The stress of suddenly needing to go to the toilet, due to an overactive bladder, can be hugely disruptive to everyday life. 

People who have a job that makes it difficult to go to the toilet as often as they need, often feel anxious most of the time. 

Social isolation

People who have an uncontrollable urge to urinate may be worried about travelling long distances, using public toilets, or going to places where access to toilet facilities could be limited. 

They can end up curtailing their social life, leading to isolation and, in extreme cases, depression. 

Dehydration and infection

Some people with OAB try to reduce their fluid intake so they go to the toilet less often, but run the risk of dehydrating their body or developing urinary tract infections.

Financial strain

The impact of OAB on someone’s professional life can be profound. Not every employer is willing to make accommodations for people with an overactive bladder. 

Frequent bathroom trips could also cause resentment among colleagues or even lead to job loss, adding a financial strain. 

Personal relationships 

Having an overactive bladder can also put pressure on relationships with family and friends, who may not understand the full impact of the condition on peoples’ quality of life. 

Dealing with both the physical symptoms and emotional impact can lead to enormous stress. 

Find out how I can help you with an initial consultation 

Overactive bladder treatments 

There are several ways to address OAB, but it’s worth noting that not every overactive bladder treatment works for everyone. 

Reducing or changing fluid intake 

According to the NHS, there are several drinks that can irritate the bladder and exacerbate the symptoms of an overactive bladder: 

• tea, including green tea 
• decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee 
• hot chocolate
• alcohol
• carbonated drinks
• drinks containing aspartame
• blackcurrant juice
• citrus fruit juice

In contrast, water, herbal and fruit teas, milk, and diluted fruit squash are kinder to the bladder and will have less of an irritant effect. 

Bladder control and management

Learning to control and manage urination through bladder training can help ease the symptoms of OAB. 

It requires people with bladder urgency to try and avoid going to the toilet as soon as they feel the urge, and instead try to distract themselves. 

The aim of bladder training is to suppress the urination contractions over a longer and longer period of time, helping them regain control of their bladder function and frequent urination becomes a thing of the past.  

Strengthening the pelvic floor

Weak pelvic floor muscles can be a reason for urinary incontinence and urge incontinence. 

Pelvic floor exercises, like lifts and squats, that focus on the muscles that stop urination mid-flow can strengthen the pelvic floor. 

Regular pelvic floor exercises can allow someone with OAB to better control leaks. Combined with bladder training, it could lead to a significant improvement in bladder function, reducing anxiety as well as the number of daily bathroom trips.  

Medication 

There are several medical treatments available that can alleviate OAB symptoms. 

If changing your lifestyle, bladder training, and strengthening your pelvic floor are ineffective, it may be worth talking to your GP about treatment options. 

Or, you could book an initial consultation and talk to me. 

Hypnotherapy for overactive bladder control 

Researchers understand more about the strong connection between emotional issues and having an overactive bladder than ever before. 

Case studies have shown that people who are struggling with stress, poor self esteem, and depression, often experience more severe OAB symptoms, which has a negative knock-on effect on their quality of life. 

Hypnosis as a treatment uses the mind-body connection to target the causes of anxiety. It can help not only to reduce the intensity of the physical symptoms of overactive bladder, but also improve emotional and overall well being.

What is solution focused hypnotherapy?

Solution focused hypnotherapy combines modern psychotherapy methods with hypnosis, to bring about rapid and significant, positive change.

I use it to access your subconscious mind, unlocking past traumas or events that could have a strong connection to or even be the exact cause of your overactive bladder. 

It can also alleviate any stress or anxiety connected to OAB, and a starting point from which to build your self confidence.  

What to expect from solution focused hypnotherapy

My treatment begins with a free, 25-minute Zoom consultation, during which I gather essential information about you, and how having an overactive bladder is affecting your life.

During the hypnotherapy sessions, I will place you in a state of extreme relaxation – though you remain conscious – that will allow me to access your subconscious brain. 

At this point, I will give your subconscious mind the mental tools you need to tackle your overactive bladder, helping to boost your self confidence and regain control.

Contact me

If you want to reclaim your life and be free of OAB, I’m ready to make that a reality. You should consult with your doctor to rule out any medical reasons for  OAB. 

I hold online and in-person sessions Wednesdays to Fridays at Salus Wellness Clinic in Cambridge. 

If you would like to find out more about how hypnosis can help you overcome your overactive bladder, book your FREE initial consultation here.