Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that describes when individuals are unable to hold urine in regular quantities or for regular periods of time. OAB encompasses a variety of different symptoms, which may exist at varying levels of severity.

Symptoms of Overactive Bladder

There is often confusion between OAB and some of its most common symptoms. For example, urinary incontinence can be a symptom of OAB, but it is not the same thing as overactive bladder. Urinary incontinence is only a symptom, not a condition. It can also be a symptom of many other urinary issues, and therefore may be brought on by a multitude of health problems.

In addition to urinary incontinence, it is also extremely common for people with OAB to experience a sudden urge to urinate in addition to frequent urination, particularly during the night. The intense urge to urinate often results in an accidental leakage of urine.  

Types of Urinary Incontinence

There are three main types of urinary incontinence:

  • Urge Urinary Incontinence: Often results from bladder overactivity. An individual feels like they have to run to the bathroom, and if they don’t make it there in time, they may leak.
  • Stress Urinary Incontinence:  Often results from a weakening of pelvic floor muscles. Individuals will often experience leakage when they cough, sneeze, or bear down.
  • Overflow incontinence: Often results from a neurologic problem, or a weak bladder. The bladder has an impaired ability to empty. Overflow incontinence can be a potentially dangerous form of incontinence because urine can back up to the kidneys and cause kidney damage.

What Causes OAB?

There are several reasons why an individual may experience overactive bladder or overactive bladder-type symptoms, including:

  • A worsening urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Bladder stones
  • Physical inability to reach the restroom in time to relieve your bladder
  • Diabetes
  • Medication side effect
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Damage to the urinary system, possibly from a prior surgery
  • Inability to empty the bladder
  • Tumors of the bladder
  • Neurological disorders
  • Consumption of diuretics such as alcohol or coffee
  • Aging Process
  • Bladder Inflammatory Conditions

 

In order to determine the specific cause of any person’s overactive bladder, a variety of diagnostic tests and assessments may be performed. Examples include: a general physical exam, discussion of your and your family’s medical history, and other urinary system tests that include:

  • A bladder scan
  • Cystoscopy
  • A urine culture
  • Urodynamic testing

Discussing Treatment with A Urologist

Depending upon the individual’s unique case of overactive bladder, your urologist will recommend a course of treatment that may consist of one single treatment, or may be a combination of several popular treatment methods.

It is typical to begin treating OAB by trying the most minimal treatments at first, and gradually transitioning to more invasive methods if they are required. The severity of the individual’s condition will also factor heavily into this decision. If lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve the patient’s symptoms, then medications, botox injections, and nerve stimulation therapy can be explored as additional options.

In some cases, the cause of a particular patient’s OAB may be unknown, despite the completion of every diagnostic procedure possible. In such instances, it is best to look for ways in which you can manage the symptoms of overactive bladder. Many individuals use the following strategies to help limit their urinary difficulties:

  • Do not smoke
  • Avoid diuretics like coffee and alcohol
  • Stay active
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Address any known health conditions that may influence or worsen your OAB, such as diabetes or neurological disorders
  • Utilize pelvic floor strengthening exercises like Kegels

See a Urologist!

Symptoms of overactive bladder are not likely to go away on their own. Whether your symptoms are worsened by a simple urinary tract infection, or due to an unavoidable chronic health issue, it’s important to seek care with a urologist to properly diagnose and treat your problem.