What is an overactive bladder?
Overactive bladder (OAB) isn’t one condition but a group of urinary symptoms that result in you frequently needing or feeling like you need to urinate.
People who have an overactive bladder often feel embarrassed or self-conscious in social situations. Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina works with you to diagnose the cause of your OAB and prescribes an individualized treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of an overactive bladder?
Several symptoms indicate an overactive bladder. They include:
- Frequent urination (at least eight times in 24 hours)
- A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate
- Leaking after an urgent need to urinate
- Waking up two or more times a night to urinate
These symptoms are uncomfortable and disruptive, but you can get them under control with professional treatment from Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina.
What causes an overactive bladder?
Your bladder muscles control when and how much urine is expelled from your body — these muscles contract when the bladder is full and relax when the bladder is empty.
Usually, your brain signals the bladder muscles that your bladder is full. This causes the muscles to hold the urine in until you can get to a bathroom. Several things can affect this process, including:
Nerve damage
When the nerve signals between the bladder and the brain don’t work correctly, the bladder muscles are told that the bladder is full, even when it’s not. This causes them to expel urine — often suddenly. A herniated disc, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can cause nerve damage.
Weak pelvic muscles
Weak pelvic muscles in women, most commonly caused by pregnancy and childbirth, result in the inability to hold the bladder in its usual position, which causes leakage.
Infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) irritate the bladder nerves, causing them to trigger the bladder muscles.
Weight
Excess weight puts pressure on the bladder, causing leakage.
External substances
Medications, caffeine, and diuretics like alcohol all cause your bladder to fill more quickly.
Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina identifies what’s causing your overactive bladder and recommends the best approach to treating your symptoms.
What are the treatments for an overactive bladder?
Overactive bladder is highly treatable with professional help. Depending on the cause of your OAB, Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:
- Nerve stimulation
- Prescription medications
- Botox®
- Surgery
- Lifestyle changes
If an overactive bladder is affecting your quality of life, take action today. Reach out to the compassionate practice, Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina. Book online or over the phone today.
