Overactive Bladder – Everything You Need To Know
In this article, you’ll learn and discover everything you need to know overactive bladder.
Overactive bladder is a condition that usually causes a sudden, compulsive urge to urinate. In some cases, this urge is so challenging to control that it leads to the involuntary passage of urine. As such, an overactive bladder has the potential to make patients feel embarrassed, isolate themselves, and limit their social and work life. According to Wildwood urogynecology specialists in Florida, this is a condition that can be managed and even treated by. The cause can be identified through a brief examination to help in the management and treatment of an overactive bladder. Below are some important things that you should know about an overactive bladder.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
Some of the signs and symptoms of an overactive bladder include;
- Experiencing sudden and difficult-to-control urge to urinate.
- Experiencing involuntary passage of urine following the urgent need to urinate
- Awakening more than one time in the night to urinate
- Frequent urination: eight or more times per day
Although this issue is quite common among seniors, it is not a normal part of aging. Therefore, if your symptoms are distressing you or significantly disrupting your life, it is imperative for you to seek the attention of a urologist. Discussing such a private issue with a doctor may not be easy, but it is quite important.
Causes of Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder usually occurs when bladder muscles contract involuntarily even when there is a low volume of urine in the bladder. This creates an urgent need to urinate. In some cases, the exact cause of overactive bladder may be difficult to pinpoint, but generally, there are several conditions that are associated with overactive bladder. Some of them include:
- Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and stroke
- Diabetes
- Acute urinary tract infections
- Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Abnormalities in the bladder including bladder stones and tumors
- Compromised cognitive functions
Prevention and Treatment
Perhaps, the best way to deal with an overactive bladder is preventing the problem from developing. Some of the lifestyle adjustments that you can make to this end include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting regular physical exercise
- Limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
- Quitting smoking
- Strengthen your pelvic muscles through Kegel exercises
- Managing conditions such as diabetes
Once you have been diagnosed with overactive bladder, there are several treatment strategies that your doctor is going to guide you on. Some of them include:
- Behavioral interventions such as weight management, scheduled toilet trips, and bladder training, among others
- Medications that can help with relaxing the bladder
- Bladder injections
- Nerve stimulation
- Surgery to increase the capacity of the bladder
The bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that overactive bladders can have quite embarrassing symptoms. However, this is an issue that a reliable doctor can help you to manage.
