If you have ever felt the sudden urge to urinate and had trouble holding it until you reached a bathroom, you may have experienced overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause embarrassment, anxiety, and discomfort, as well as interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.
In this blog post, we will explain what causes OAB, what are the common
symptoms, and what are the available treatment options.
What Causes OAB?
OAB occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, even
when the bladder is not full. This creates a strong and uncontrollable urge to
urinate, which may or may not be accompanied by leakage of urine (also known as
urge incontinence). The exact cause of OAB is not fully understood, but some
factors that may contribute to it include:
- Aging: As you get older, your bladder muscles
may weaken and become less elastic, making it harder to hold urine.
- Hormonal Changes: Women who are going through menopause
may experience OAB due to lower levels of estrogen, which can affect the
bladder and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions that affect the nerves
that control the bladder, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple
sclerosis, or spinal cord injury, may cause OAB.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as diuretics (water
pills), antihistamines, antidepressants, or caffeine, may increase urine
production or irritate the bladder.
- Lifestyle Factors: Drinking too much fluid, especially
before bedtime, or consuming alcohol or spicy foods may worsen OAB symptoms.
- Other Medical Conditions: OAB may be a
symptom of an underlying condition that affects the urinary tract, such as
urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, bladder cancer, or an enlarged
prostate (in men).
Read also: The Emotional Impact of Overactive Bladder: Coping and Support
What Are The Symptoms of OAB?
The main symptom of OAB is a sudden and strong urge to urinate that is
difficult to ignore. You may also experience:
- Frequent Urination: You may need to go to the bathroom
more than eight times a day or more than twice at night (also known as
nocturia).
- Urge Incontinence: You may leak urine when you feel the urge
to urinate or when you are unable to reach a bathroom in time.
- Nocturnal Enuresis: You may wet the bed while
sleeping.
- Reduced Quality of Life: You may feel embarrassed,
anxious, depressed, or isolated due to your OAB symptoms. You may also avoid
social activities, travel, or exercise for fear of having an accident.
What Are the Treatment Options for OAB?
The good news is that OAB can be treated and managed with various
options. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your personal
preferences, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
- Behavioral Therapies: These include bladder training
(learning to delay urination and follow a regular schedule), pelvic floor
exercises (also known as Kegel exercises), fluid management (limiting fluid
intake and avoiding irritants), and lifestyle changes (such as quitting
smoking, losing weight, or managing stress).
- Medications: These include anticholinergics (which
block the nerve signals that cause bladder contractions), beta-3 agonists
(which relax the bladder muscles), or mirabegron (which activates receptors
that increase bladder capacity).
- Botox Injections: These involve injecting botulinum toxin into
the bladder muscle to temporarily paralyze it and reduce contractions.
- Nerve Stimulation: This involves using electrical impulses
to stimulate the nerves that control the bladder. There are two types: sacral
neuromodulation (which involves implanting a device under the skin near the
tailbone) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (which involves placing a
needle near the ankle).
- Surgery: This is usually reserved for severe cases
that do not respond to other treatments. It may involve enlarging the bladder
with a piece of the intestine (also known as augmentation cystoplasty) or diverting
urine to an external bag (also known as urinary diversion).
Conclusion
OAB is a common and treatable condition that can affect anyone at any
age. If you have symptoms of OAB, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about
your options. You do not have to suffer in silence or let OAB limit your life.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can regain control over your
bladder and enjoy your daily activities without worry.
Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and
should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Health Tricks
does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek
professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
