Overactive Bladder (OAB)

What is overactive bladder (OAB)?

Overactive bladder is a condition where there is a feel of a sudden urge to urinate. It’s a condition that’s troublesome and is potentially debilitating. OAB affects both men and women, and although more common among older adults, OAB affects people of all ages. Although OAB can affect children and young adults, this is very common in patients ages above 40 years old. It can have a negative impact on an individual’s quality of life. A patient’s performance of daily activities and social function can be affected. Without treatment, symptoms may start out as merely troublesome but can worsen.

What are the causes of OAB?

There are different factors that may contribute to the signs and symptoms of OAB such as neurological disorders, hormonal changes, abnormalities in the bladder, constipation, enlarged prostate, and diabetes. Other factors that may be associated are too much alcohol or caffeine intake, aging, difficulty walking, and certain medications.  

What are the symptoms an overactive bladder?

OAB condition has 4 main symptoms. But the symptoms may differ from person to person.

Urgency

A sudden and overwhelming need to pass the urine

Frequency

Urinating often and only to pass small amounts and more than 8 times a day

Urge Incontinence:

There is a strong urgency to urinate resulting in leakage of urine. And the amount can be small to the entire content of the bladder.

Nocturia

Waking up 2 or more times during the night in order to urinate.

What can be done?

A combination of lifestyles and drug therapy is often prescribed to help treat OAB symptoms. It is usually suggested to patients to make changes in everyday behaviors as the first line of therapy. A patient may need to modify the food intake, lose extra weight, or stop smoking.

If lifestyle changes and drug therapy are not working, bladder Botox treatment may be offered. The procedure can be performed in the office. 

Another treatment for people with the problem of communication between the brain and the bladder is nerve stimulation.

Bladder reconstruction or urinary diversion surgery is only used in very serious cases. Surgery has many risks, so it is only offer when all the other treatment options failed, or no other option can treat the condition.

Unfortunately, the majority of people with overactive bladder syndrome go undiagnosed and untreated. Some would only seek help when their condition becomes unbearable. You may feel embarrassed to have these issues but you are not alone.

If you have further questions, call Desert Sky Urology to discuss the available options for your condition. For OAB treatment in Chandler, Gilbert & Phoenix, AZ call us today and schedule an appointment.