Overactive Bladder

What is an Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that can be difficult to control. In some cases, this urgency may lead to accidental urine leakage. People with overactive bladder may feel the need to urinate many times throughout the day and may also wake up several times at night to use the bathroom.

These symptoms can interfere with daily routines and may cause some individuals to limit activities or avoid social situations. However, overactive bladder is a common and treatable condition. With proper evaluation and treatment, many people are able to manage symptoms effectively and improve their overall quality of life.

What are the Symptoms of Overactive Bladder?

Signs and symptoms of overactive bladder may include:

• Frequent, sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control

• Urinating eight or more times within a 24-hour period

• Urine leakage, also known as urinary incontinence

• Waking up more than twice during the night to urinate (nocturia)

Frequent trips to the bathroom and episodes of urine leakage can interfere with sleep, daily activities, and social interactions. Over time, these symptoms may affect overall comfort and quality of life, which is why evaluation and treatment can be important.

What are the Risk Factors for Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include aging, neurological disorders, diabetes, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, tumors, or hormonal changes in women.

Lifestyle factors can also play a role. Consuming caffeine or alcohol may irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms, and some medications can affect bladder function. Identifying contributing factors can help guide treatment and improve symptom management.

How is Overactive Bladder Diagnosed?

To determine whether you have overactive bladder and develop an appropriate treatment plan, your physician will begin by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. A physical examination may also be performed, which can include pelvic or rectal exams depending on your symptoms.

Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to better understand your bladder function. These can include urine tests to check for infection or other conditions, neurological evaluations, and specialized bladder function tests. The results of these evaluations help guide the most effective treatment approach for your condition.

How is Overactive Bladder Treated?

To treat overactive bladder and give you a better quality of life, your physician may suggest the following:

• Medications: Taking certain medications, available as liquids, patches, or pills, help control bladder muscles and nerves. Because these medicines can cause dry eyes, using eye drops might be part of your treatment plan.
• Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes can reduce the severity of an overactive bladder. Maintain a healthy weight, get daily exercise, limit alcohol and caffeine, don’t smoke, do kegel exercises, and properly manage diabetes or other chronic diseases.
• Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy: Sacral nerve stimulation using Axonics® and InterStim™ technology stimulates nerves between your bladder and brain to better control bladder function and reduce incontinence.

• Surgery: In severe cases of an overactive bladder, your physician might recommend minimally invasive surgical procedures to reduce symptoms and offer long-lasting relief.

There is no need to live with an overactive bladder when numerous treatments are available.