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Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by frequent and sudden urges to urinate, often leading to involuntary leakage. Symptoms include a strong, sudden need to urinate that may be difficult to control, frequent urination (typically more than eight times in 24 hours), waking up more than once during the night to urinate (nocturia), and sometimes urinary incontinence. OAB in men or women can significantly disrupt daily life, causing embarrassment, and anxiety. This symptom also hampers social life and work performance. It can result from various factors such as nerve damage, bladder abnormalities, or certain medications. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises to medications and, in severe cases, surgery may also be considered.
Overactive bladder (OAB) (bladder hyperactivity) affects millions worldwide, with prevalence increasing with age. Approximately 16% of adults over 40 experience OAB symptoms, with women being more affected than men. Among those affected, about 33% report urinary incontinence as a significant symptom. OAB can significantly impair quality of life, with studies indicating that up to 45% of individuals with OAB experience limitations in daily activities, work productivity, and social interactions.
Book an appointment with our expert doctors to get yourself checked
Overactive bladder symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, or incontinence significantly disrupt daily life, persist for more than a few weeks, worsen, or are accompanied by blood in the urine or severe pain, seek medical evaluation to determine underlying causes and appropriate management strategies.
The main symptom of overactive bladder is an urge to urinate that you may not be able to control. This can lead to urine leakage (loss of bladder control).
Urgency: You suddenly feel like you really need to pee and can't wait.
Frequency: You need to pee more often than usual.
Nocturia: Waking up at night to pee.
Urge incontinence (bladder hyperactivity): Leaking urine when you feel a strong urge to pee and can't hold it in.
Urinary urgency incontinence: Leaking urine because you can't control the sudden urge to pee.
Hesitancy: Trouble starting to pee even when you feel the urge.
Intermittency: Your pee starts and stops unexpectedly.
Weak urine stream: Your pee doesn't come out with much force.
Straining: You have to push hard to start peeing.
Incomplete emptying: Feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bladder after peeing.
Here are the overactive bladder causes affecting females and males:
Conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis can disrupt nerve signals controlling bladder function and cause overactive bladder syndrome.
Certain foods, drinks (e.g., caffeine), medications, and bladder irritants can trigger OAB symptoms by irritating the bladder.
Conditions like bladder stones, tumours, or urinary tract infections can irritate the bladder and lead to nocturia symptoms.
Menopause-related hormonal changes can weaken pelvic floor muscles and affect bladder control, contributing to OAB symptoms.
OAB can sometimes occur without a specific underlying cause, termed idiopathic OAB, often related to ageing.
Urinalysis
Analysis of urine samples to check for infection, blood, or other abnormalities indicating underlying conditions.
Recording voiding patterns, fluid intake, and symptoms over a period to assess frequency, urgency, and incontinence.
Ultrasound or catheterization is used to measure urine remaining in the bladder after voiding to assess emptying efficiency.
Various tests to evaluate bladder and urethral function, including bladder pressure measurement, to assess storage and emptying capabilities.
Visual examination of the bladder using a thin tube with a camera to identify bladder abnormalities or other potential causes of OAB.
If you are looking for the best treatment for overactive bladder, then you can choose the following options:
Pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, and fluid management to improve bladder control and reduce symptoms naturally.
Medications that relax bladder muscles, reducing urgency and frequency of urination by blocking nerve signals.
Implantation of a device that stimulates sacral nerves, regulating bladder function and reducing OAB symptoms.
A non-invasive procedure involving stimulating nerves in the lower leg to regulate bladder function and reduce symptoms.
Surgical procedure to increase bladder capacity, reducing urgency and frequency of urination by enlarging the bladder.
Here are some home remedies to treat OAB:
Gradually increasing intervals between bathroom visits to train the bladder to hold urine longer and reduce urgency.
Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and acidic drinks while ensuring adequate hydration to minimize bladder irritation can help in managing OAB
Strengthening pelvic floor muscles to improve bladder control and reduce urgency and leakage episodes.
Avoid bladder irritants like spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and acidic fruits to minimize OAB symptoms and discomfort.
Establish a regular bathroom schedule to empty the bladder at set times to reduce urgency and frequency of urination.
Overactive bladder or OAB, characterized by urgency, frequency, and incontinence, can stem from various factors including neurological conditions, irritants, and hormonal changes. Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications to surgical interventions, with behavioural therapies and medications often proving effective. It's crucial to consult urologists if experiencing persistent symptoms impacting daily life. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Therefore, seeking medical advice promptly ensures proper diagnosis and tailored treatment to manage an overactive bladder effectively and enhance overall well-being.
Urgency, frequency, nocturia, and urinary incontinence are typical symptoms, often disrupting daily activities and affecting quality of life.
Factors such as neurological conditions, bladder irritants, hormonal changes, and ageing can contribute to overactive bladder symptoms.
Diagnosis involves a medical history review, physical examination, urine tests, bladder diary, urodynamic tests, and sometimes cystoscopy.
Treatments for OAB include behavioural therapies, medications, Botox injections, neuromodulation, and sometimes bladder augmentation surgery.
Seek medical advice if experiencing persistent urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence that disrupts daily life or affects well-being.
