Can yoga and deep breathing help reduce bladder urgency?

Question

Hello doctor,

I know this might sound a little strange, but I have an overactive bladder, and I have been too embarrassed to start medication at my age. I feel like I am too young for that.

I recently read that yoga and slow breathing exercises might help reduce bladder urgency, and I would really like to try a more natural approach first.

Does yoga and deep breathing really work for easing bladder urgency in someone at the age of 24, or is this just one of those things said without any evidence on the Internet?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I will try to assure you that an overactive bladder in a person who is 24 years old is a normal thing that happens to many younger individuals. Overactive bladder is a common condition that requires professional medical assistance.

As far as I understand, yoga and deep breaths can be effective in treating your problem with your bladder. These techniques work by helping to relax and relieve the stress that leads to increased urinary urgency in patients. However, you should use yoga and deep breathing exercises in combination with other measures.

In my opinion, you should combine them with bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises, avoiding bladder stimulants if they make your problems with your bladder worse, appropriate fluid intake, and treatment of constipation if it occurs.

If your symptoms are still bothering you after several weeks of trying these measures, or if you develop pain while passing urine, blood in the urine, fever, recurrent urinary tract infections, or difficulty emptying your bladder, you should see your primary care physician or a urologist for further evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and discuss other treatment options.

Medications are available if needed, but they are only one part of the treatment. If lifestyle measures alone are not enough, there is nothing wrong with taking medication at your age. It is a common treatment when conservative methods fail.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.