Podcast Summary: Pillow Talks – Episode 204: Confessions Of An Overactive Bladder
Introduction
In Episode 204 of Pillow Talks, titled "Confessions Of An Overactive Bladder", hosts Vanessa and Xander Marin delve into a deeply personal and rarely discussed topic: bladder health. Known for their candid discussions on sex, relationships, and intimacy, this episode marks a significant departure as Vanessa, a seasoned sex therapist, shares her journey navigating an overactive bladder and the impact it has had on her life and relationship.
Vanessa’s Bladder Journey
Vanessa opens up about her long-standing perception of having a "small bladder," a belief that went unquestioned until around 2020. The COVID-19 lockdowns and changes in her living environment exacerbated her bladder issues. The constant proximity to the bathroom led to frequent urination, a pattern that soon spiraled into a more distressing overactive bladder condition.
"I'm talking about peeing and needing to pee, even when you don't need to pee." [00:00]
Impact on Daily Life
The overactive bladder significantly disrupted Vanessa’s daily routine, sleep, and professional life. She describes moments of intense anxiety, especially in situations where bathroom access was limited, such as during long hikes, car rides, or flights. This anxiety often led to frequent midnight trips to the bathroom, severely affecting her sleep quality and overall well-being.
"I started getting really anxious about being in situations where bathrooms weren't easily accessible." [17:03]
Seeking Help and Solutions
Determined to regain control, Vanessa sought assistance from a pelvic floor physical therapist. She emphasizes the importance of professional help and shares valuable insights she gained from her sessions. Key strategies included:
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Reducing Caffeine Intake: Vanessa discovered that her high consumption of green tea, despite its lower caffeine content compared to coffee, was a significant bladder irritant. Reducing her caffeine intake was the first step towards alleviating her symptoms.
"You're drinking way too much caffeine. No wonder you feel like you have to pee all the time." [28:46]
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Bladder Training Techniques: Vanessa learned to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits, allowing her bladder to hold more urine naturally. This involved setting timers and using relaxation techniques to manage the urge to urinate.
"Let's just try to hold for five more minutes." [27:09]
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Kegel Exercises: While beneficial for many, Vanessa cautions that Kegel exercises should be personalized, as they can cause further issues if not performed correctly.
"Don't just repeat it because I did it. Some people actually have their pelvic floor too tight, and doing Kegels can create more tightness." [31:58]
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite significant progress, Vanessa faced setbacks when she overcompensated her bladder training. Her attempt to extend the intervals between bathroom visits led to increased anxiety and discomfort, prompting her to consult a urologist. Unfortunately, she encountered a dismissive and unhelpful practitioner, highlighting the challenges of finding supportive medical care.
"She called me stupid. She called me an idiot. It was really humiliating." [41:50]
This experience underscored the importance of advocating for oneself in medical settings and seeking practitioners who understand and respect patient experiences.
Current Status and Recommendations
Today, Vanessa has successfully managed her overactive bladder through consistent application of the strategies she learned. She maintains a balanced fluid intake, especially reducing consumption in the evenings, and employs various techniques to manage urges when they arise.
"I'm drinking less caffeine. I'm having normal lengths of time between pees, which is about two to five hours." [47:44]
Key Recommendations:
- Seek Professional Help: Consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist can provide personalized strategies and support.
- Monitor Fluid Intake: Reducing caffeine and evening fluids can significantly impact bladder control.
- Implement Bladder Training: Gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits helps in retraining the bladder.
- Advocate for Yourself: Ensure you find compassionate and understanding healthcare providers.
Conclusion
This episode of Pillow Talks sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of bladder health. Vanessa’s candid discussion not only provides solace to listeners experiencing similar struggles but also offers practical advice for managing an overactive bladder. By fostering open conversations about such personal topics, Vanessa and Xander continue to empower their audience to address and improve various aspects of their health and relationships.
"You might pee alone, but you are never alone." [52:23]
Notable Quotes
- "If you feel like I have to go, it means I have to go." – Vanessa [00:10]
- "The bladder is a very habit-driven organ and it plays crazy tricks on your brain." – Vanessa [26:29]
- "Peeing is not a failure. It's not a bad thing." – Vanessa [44:08]
- "Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to zocdoc.com/pillow to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today." – Promotional Quote [Unrelated to Content, Skipped]
Final Thoughts
Confessions Of An Overactive Bladder is a testament to the Podcasts' commitment to addressing real-life issues with honesty and empathy. Vanessa's journey serves as a valuable resource for anyone grappling with similar challenges, breaking down the stigma and encouraging proactive health management.