Checklist for Hygiene during OAB

Do you know what OAB is? Overactive bladder (OAB) is a name of a group of urinary symptoms. The most common symptom which can be seen is a sudden uncontrollable feeling to urinate. Leaking of urine is called incontinence. If you feel like going to the bathroom many times, then it could be another symptom of OAB.

You must take care of your health during OAB. Here are some tips-

·         You should avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, because this can cause irritation to the bladder.

·         Whenever you feel the urge, you should urinate. Don’t delay it unnecessarily.

·         Avoid consuming unsweetened fruit juices, tomatoes, and other acidic foods and drinks because it can cause irritation to your bladder. Monitor your weight regularly, being over-weight means extra pressure on the bladder, which leads to involuntary urination.  Maintaining healthy habits of good food and regular exercise is essential.

·         Often change your napkins to avoid infection. Use good quality incontinence protection products.

·         Always wipe your genital area from front to back after making the use of the toilet. This will help in reducing the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

·         Avoid taking bubble baths or making use of perfumed powders or soaps in the genital area. These products are very harmful and may cause genital skin irritation.

·         Do not use any vaginal perfumes or deodorant of feminine hygiene products.

·         Make sure that you wear a cotton-lined panty, cotton underwear and wear loose clothes.

·         Making use of a diaphragm or spermicidal cream, foam, or gel is not a good option. A diaphragm puts pressure on urethra.

·         To avoid any infection, always wash your genital area at least once in a day with mild soap or plain water.

·         Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Have a healthy diet.

·         Controlling the odor- You can avoid odor by maintaining hygiene and cleanliness with all your health accessories and skin too. Timely washing of intimate parts and regular changing of pads ensures no odor.  Making use of fresh and clean undergarments is a must.

·         Always wash your hands thoroughly. Keep them clean; keep hand sanitizers, soaps handy.

·         Avoid using the public toilet during OAB, as it’s not hygienic.

·         Mattress covers and protectors are a great option as well. They are less noticeable and are made from softer material. Sometimes they are costly but are a good investment for improving your health and hygiene level.

·         If you worry about spoiling the sheets at night, waterproof pads can help you to forget about the night woes. These pads can be kept under your body in the middle part of the mattress. They come between your body and the sheets and thus keep you dry if involuntary urination happens at night. You simply have to wash the pad and nothing else.

Have a look at all these points and act accordingly. You need to maintain your hygiene as it is very important during OAB.