Overview
Overactive bladder is a condition in which your bladder begins urinating at an inopportune time. Urinating more than eight times a day, feeling a sudden need to urinate, or urinary incontinence are all signs of an overactive bladder.
Overactive bladder is caused by a variety of illnesses, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and neurological abnormalities. Overactive bladder symptoms may be relieved by treating underlying problems. Your urologist may offer behavioural approaches, medication, or targeted exercises if your overactive bladder is caused by an untreatable ailment.
Urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas are expertly trained in treating overactive bladder. Schedule an appointment today if you are having urinary symptoms.
Causes
Even when there isn’t much urine in your bladder, overactive bladder is caused by bladder muscles tightening involuntarily. Urination is necessitated as a result of the muscle contraction. Overactive bladder can be caused by a variety of disorders and risk factors, including:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder stones
- Excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol
- Neurological disorders, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis
- Aging
Sometimes treatment of underlying conditions can relieve symptoms of an overactive bladder. Symptoms of an overactive bladder include:
- A sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Experiencing incontinence, when urine cannot be held
- Frequent urination, more than eight times a day
Always consult your doctor about any urinary problems.
Diagnosis
If you experience symptoms of overactive bladder, your urologist will perform a urine test to see if you have an infection. Your urologist will also go over your medical history to see if there are any other possible causes for your overactive bladder symptoms. A physical exam will be performed as well, with a focus on your bladder and pelvic region.
An ultrasound may be used by your doctor to examine if you are completely emptying your bladder during urine. A uroflowmeter is also commonly used to monitor urine flow rate.
Treatment
If an underlying illness or behavioural patterns are the source of overactive bladder, it will be addressed first.
If the underlying disease is not treated, therapeutic options for an overactive bladder may include:
Behavioral techniques
Your doctor may recommend bladder training, which includes scheduled toilet breaks and fluid control, to strengthen your muscles.
Kegels are a type of pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercise.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medication to relax your bladder muscles if you have an overactive bladder.
Botox
Bladder injections, or Botox, may be injected into the bladder to paralyze muscles partially.
Surgery
Procedures involving surgery is for patients with severe symptoms who do not respond to other treatments. The goal of surgery is to improve the bladder’s ability to store and retain urine.