A new study authored by Jessica Ginting of Queen's University in Canada shows that spouses and partners with severe bladder conditions can help alleviate the problem by providing pleasant distractions.

The data suggests that activities like reading or talking to the person in pain can help them tremendously. Even children can offer enough distraction to take their mind off the pain and problem.

“Our data suggest that providing support in the form of reading to the person in pain, or simply talking to them about your day, present events or the children can be useful in taking their mind off their pain," lead author Jessica Ginting of Queen's University in Canada said.

The research studied women with interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, in which they constantly experienced symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Some women felt the need to urinate frequently, even up to 60 times in a day. The condition also brings on crippling pain in the lower abdomen, and can disrupt peaceful sleep at night.

Nearly one million women of the 1.3 million people in America suffer from this problem.

The study found that spouses of those women suffering from the problem who interacted positively with them complained of less instances of depression, and fatigue and pain.

"Trying to help the person in pain become more involved with enjoyable activities is another great example of what a partner can do to improve a person's relationship and quality of life," Ginting said. "Research is clear that slipping into a sedentary lifestyle following the onset of pain is a gateway to disability."While negative responses from spouses had no major impact on the state of pain in the sufferers, but it is advisable to avoid such emotions in front of the person in pain, she said.