Understanding Overactive Bladder: Symptoms and Treatment Options

An estimated 30 to 40% of individuals will encounter indications of an overactive bladder (OAB) at some stage in their lifetime.

OAB is a condition that manifests as a set of urinary symptoms, the most prevalent of which is an abrupt, uncontrollable urge to urinate, or the necessity to pee frequently throughout the day and night. If you want to learn more about this condition, including its symptoms and treatment options, our guide is a valuable resource.

What is an Overactive Bladder?

To put it simply, OAB is the feeling that you need to go to the toilet urgently and frequently. Often people who experience these symptoms will also feel that OAB impacts their stress levels and emotions. Without treatment, OAB symptoms can make it hard to get through the day without many trips to the bathroom leading to feelings of embarrassment, loneliness and isolation. However, it is critical to note that treatment options are available to make life easier, and talking to a health care professional is the first step you must take.

Causes

The urinary tract is an essential system in our body, and the bladder is just one part of this system. While a healthy bladder allows signals in your brain to let you know that your bladder is getting full, you can wait to go to the bathroom. Conversely, with OAB, these signals don’t work correctly, meaning you can’t wait, leading to a sudden, urgent need to go, even if the bladder isn’t full. The nerve signals between your bladder and brain can be affected by several things, including:

Neurologic disorders or damage to the signals between your brain and bladder
Hormone changes
Pelvic muscle weakness or spasms
A urinary tract infection
Side effects from a medication
Diseases that affect the brain or spinal cord, like stroke and multiple sclerosis

Diagnosis

If you experience any symptoms of OAB, it is important to see a healthcare professional. Most likely, you will be referred to a urologist who can diagnose and treat OAB. A medical examination may include a series of questions about your medical history, your experience of the symptoms, as well as any prescription medication you may be on. In addition, a physical examination may be involved whereby a doctor may feel your abdomen, the organs in your pelvis, and your rectum to help diagnose symptoms. Other tests may include a bladder scan or urine test; however, diagnosing OAB should be relatively straightforward.

Treatment

Several treatments are available, and your doctor will recommend one or more based on your unique needs. Treatments include:

lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise
prescription medication
bladder botox treatment
nerve stimulation treatment
bladder reconstruction/ urinary diversion surgery

Book an appointment with Urology Specialist

It is essential to talk to a trusted professional regarding your health. If you have any questions about OAB or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact or call Dr Arianayagam’s office on 1300 307 990, and his staff will be able to assist.

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