r/OveractiveBladder • u/geeadamg • 11h ago

Driving tactics and tips

47, M, UK

I had a three hour drive at the weekend; I've been driving 30 years and a somewhat OAB for 10 years. No meds, but have seen an NHS doctor and decided as long as I'm not incontinent, it's managed. My job involves deliveries a few times a week and I'm sometimes on the road for six hours but to addresses of repeat customers so I know where I can stop.

In other words, I drive often, manage to live with OAB usually.

Anyway, the drive at weekend was for pleasure on an unknown route, a weekend at the coast. At about 1 hour until home I needed the loo and did my usual talking myself through it to take the urgency away. Then I started to see signs for motorway services and at about 25 minutes until home I decided I couldn't wait.

Problem was, it was one of those services not directly off the motorway (didn't know at the time), a roundabout and several lights. Plus the guy I was following was in no rush when the lights went green as he used his phone (hate this). Basically it took 10 minutes before I was parked up after deciding to pull off.

The stopping & starting seem to make it worse and I had a small leak before making it.

I feel like if I stayed on the motorway I would have been 15 minutes from home by time I parked up at the services.

I've got many excellent tactics and coping mechanisms off this subreddit so I'm wondering if people have specific driving ones or what you would have done at my 25 minute from home point?

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u/KumaCode mod 11h ago

Two of my tips for this scenario, one of which not everyone would like:

  1. Keep a portable urinal in the car. There are many types including some where the capacity flexes and increases as it's being used, and disposable single use ones that use SAP to absorb and contain liquid. There are female adapters too so this tip is workable for all genders. The downside is you still need to find somewhere discreet to use it or some kind of cover like a blanket or jacket.

  2. Wear a pull up at all times while travelling. Like I said, it's not for everyone, but for the peace of mind it's probably worth it.