OVERACTIVE BLADDER

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WHAT IS Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Overactive bladder (sometimes called overactive bladder syndrome) is one of the causes of urinary incontinence in women. It is a type of urge incontinence/urgency incontinence (different from stress incontinence) that creates a sudden need to urinate that may be difficult to control. Affecting over 30 million Americans, it may cause urinary frequency in the daytime as well as during the night. It is not unusual for women who have an overactive bladder to limit activities and social functions to avoid embarrassing episodes of urinary urgency. The good news is that advancements in urological procedures and techniques offer highly effective treatments to restore bladder function and overall health. Our team at Blue Ridge Urological will build an effective treatment plan for you needs.

OVERACTIVE BLADDER

CAUSES OF OVERACTIVE BLADDER

Overactive bladder occurs when the muscles that control the bladder involuntarily contract. This can occur when the bladder is full or not and produces a sudden need to urinate. There are several medical conditions that can contribute to the overactive bladder such as:

  • Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis or a neurological disorder such as a stroke
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive and kidney diseases
  • Bladder stones
  • Hormonal changes that occur during menopause
  • Certain medications that cause an increase in the urine volume
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Excessive caffeine
  • Incomplete bladder emptying
  • Age
  • Cognitive decline

OVERACTIVE BLADDER SYMPTOMS (OAB Symptoms)

A healthy bladder muscle expands as it fills with urine. Once it is about half full, the nerves in the bladder trigger an urge to urinate. In a person with overactive bladder, the amount of urine the bladder can hold is disrupted causing the bladder muscle to contract suddenly before the bladder is full. This leads to sudden, frequent and intense urges to urinate and occasionally there is leakage of urine.

Some symptoms are:

  • Sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control
  • Sudden loss of urine after an urgent need to urinate
  • Frequent need to urinate – more than 8 times in a 24 hour period
  • Needing to urinate at night at least twice, also called nocturia

It is not uncommon for older adults to experience an overactive bladder; however, it is not a normal part of aging. If you are experiencing sudden or frequent urges to urinate that are disrupting your life and preventing you from enjoying certain activities, call Blue Ridge Urological today at (540) 405-8232.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING OVERACTIVE BLADDER

If you are experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder and it is impacting your quality of life, it is important to consult a urologist to determine the root cause of the condition. At Blue Ridge Urological, one of our board certified urologists will perform a complete examination which will include medical history, physical exam, urinalysis, cough stress tests and possibly a cystoscopy. Your doctor may also want to perform bladder studies or urodynamic testing to determine how well the muscles of your bladder and sphincter are working. We offer specialized treatments for female urinary incontinence and other forms of incontinence such as stress urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder caused by other underlying medical conditions.

CONSERVATIVE OAB TREATMENT OPTIONS:

For patients who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, the doctor will most likely recommend conservative measures to address the problem. Dietary modifications can help reduce the sudden urge to urinate.

Other conservative treatment options include:

Some dietary modifications include cutting back on:

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Tomatoes
  • Spicy foods
  • Citrus beverages

Bladder training exercises teach patients to follow a urination schedule whether or not the urge to urinate is present. Scheduled urination can help prevent episodes of leaking urine. The goal of behavioral therapy is to gradually increase the time between emptying the bladder and the amount of fluid that the bladder can hold. This technique can diminish the sense of urgency that is often associated with an overactive bladder.

Pelvic muscle rehabilitation – Kegel exercises and other pelvic floor muscle exercises can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles to reduce the sudden sense of urgency to urinate.

There are medications that can help suppress involuntary muscle contractions surrounding the bladder. These medications help to calm an overactive bladder.

If conservative measures to treat overactive bladder are not effective, there are other procedures that may help to reduce sudden contractions of the bladder or pelvic floor muscles. Bladder BOTOX® is usually the next step in treating patients who have tried behavioral therapy, medications and pelvic floor rehabilitation without success. It involves Botox injections placed carefully into the bladder wall. The goal of Bladder BOTOX® therapy is to decrease the frequency and relieve bladder spasms to restore quality of life for women who suffer from overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. This therapy is also particularly helpful in treating spastic bladder and urinary incontinence.

At Blue Ridge Urological, our board certified providers are highly experienced in the diagnosis of and treatment of overactive bladder. If you are experiencing symptoms that limit your activities or keep you from enjoying life, a urologist can perform specialized tests to help determine the cause. For more information on overactive bladder, call our office today at (540) 405-8232 or schedule your consultation online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary symptoms of overactive bladder?

The primary symptoms of overactive bladder include a sudden, strong urge to urinate that may be difficult to control, frequent urination during the day (typically eight or more times), and nocturia, which is waking up multiple times at night to urinate. Some individuals may also experience urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine following the urgent need to urinate. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

What causes overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder can result from various factors affecting the bladders ability to store and release urine. Common causes include nerve damage due to conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or stroke, which can disrupt communication between the bladder and the brain. Other contributing factors may include urinary tract infections, hormonal changes (especially in postmenopausal women), an enlarged prostate in men, and certain medications that irritate the bladder. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

How is overactive bladder diagnosed?

Diagnosing overactive bladder typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination by a healthcare provider. Patients may be asked about their symptoms, urinary habits, and any underlying health conditions. A urinalysis may be performed to rule out infections or other issues. In some cases, urodynamic testing might be conducted to assess how well the bladder and urethra are functioning during filling and emptying. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine the best treatment approach.

What treatment options are available for overactive bladder?

Treatment options for overactive bladder vary based on symptom severity and individual patient needs. First-line treatments often include behavioral therapies such as bladder training and pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) to strengthen the muscles that control urination. Medications like anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin) are commonly prescribed to help relax the bladder muscle and reduce urgency. If these methods are ineffective, more advanced treatments such as nerve stimulation therapies or Botox injections into the bladder wall may be considered.

Can lifestyle changes help manage overactive bladder symptoms?

Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly help manage symptoms of overactive bladder. Staying well-hydrated while avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can reduce urgency and frequency. Establishing a regular bathroom schedule can also help train the bladder. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can alleviate pressure on the bladder as well. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress may improve overall bladder function.

How to solve an overactive bladder?

An overactive bladder can be managed with several different techniques, such as lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Treatments can include avoiding foods and drinks that irritate your bladder, receiving bladder Botox, or undergoing bladder reconstruction surgery.

Does holding your bladder help your overactive bladder?

In some cases, delayed urination can help train your body to hold your urine for longer. By gradually building up the amount of time you wait before going to the bathroom, some patients are able to correct an overactive bladder. This should only be done if advised by your provider.

What happens if an overactive bladder is left untreated?

If left untreated, an overactive bladder can have an impact on your quality of life. Untreated, this condition can be quite disruptive, requiring frequent and repeated trips to the bathroom. In some cases, an overactive bladder can cause a decline in one’s mental health.

What is the main cause of an overactive bladder?

An overactive bladder is caused by involuntary bladder contractions. When your bladder fills with urine, the muscles contract, signaling to the body that you need to urinate. OAB causes these muscles to contract prematurely before the bladder is full. OAB can be related to other health conditions such as diabetes, conditions of the brain or spinal cord, UTIs, hormonal changes, and enlarged prostate.

What is the best drink for an overactive bladder?

Plain, filtered water is the best drink for those with an overactive bladder. Avoiding drinks like coffee, alcohol, and other diuretics is best, as these have adverse effects.

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