Symptoms
of Overactive Bladder
Urgency: A sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to defer.
Frequency: Urinating more than eight times in a 24-hour period.
Nocturia: Waking up two or more times during the night to urinate.
Urge incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine associated with a strong urge to urinate.
Causes
of Overactive Bladder The exact cause of overactive bladder is not always known. However, it can be related to:
Nerve damage: Conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or spinal cord injury can disrupt nerve signals between the brain and bladder.
Muscle changes: Changes in the bladder muscles themselves.
Weakened pelvic floor muscles: Can reduce bladder support and control.
Certain medications: Diuretics (water pills) can increase urine production.
Excess weight: Can put pressure on the bladder.
Caffeine and alcohol: Can irritate the bladder.
Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause temporary OAB symptoms.
Diabetes: Can lead to nerve damage affecting bladder control.
Age: The risk of OAB increases with age.
Blockages: Bladder stones or tumors can affect bladder function.
Precautions
for Overactive Bladder
Bladder training: Practice timed voiding and gradually increase the intervals between urination.
Double voiding: After urinating, wait a few moments and try to urinate again to ensure the bladder is completely empty.
Fluid management: Drink adequate fluids, but avoid excessive intake, especially before bedtime. Limit caffeine and alcohol.
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder.
Manage constipation: Constipation can worsen OAB symptoms.
Review medications: Discuss with your doctor if any of your medications might be contributing to OAB symptoms.
Use absorbent pads or underwear: For urge incontinence.
How long does an outbreak last?
Overactive bladder is a chronic condition, not an "outbreak." Symptoms can fluctuate in intensity over time, and without treatment, they can persist indefinitely. With treatment, symptoms can be managed and reduced, but the underlying condition may still be present.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications.
Bladder diary: Recording fluid intake, urination frequency, and episodes of urgency and incontinence.
Urinalysis: To check for infection or other abnormalities.
Postvoid residual volume (PVR) measurement: To determine how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.
Urodynamic testing: Tests that measure bladder function, such as cystometry (measuring bladder pressure) and uroflowmetry (measuring urine flow rate).
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of OAB symptoms can vary. Some individuals experience a gradual increase in frequency and urgency over months or years. For others, symptoms may appear more suddenly, perhaps triggered by an infection or other medical event. Symptoms may also wax and wane. Because OAB is a chronic condition, expect symptoms to persist unless treated.
Important Considerations
OAB can have a significant impact on quality of life, leading to social isolation, depression, and anxiety.
It's important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing OAB symptoms.
Treatment options can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapies, and medications can all be effective in managing OAB symptoms.
OAB is not a normal part of aging, and it is treatable.