Overactive Bladder
What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
Overactive Bladder is a urological condition characterized by a frequent and urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by involuntary bladder contractions. It is not a normal part of aging and can affect men and women of all ages.
Common Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
Recognising the signs of OAB is the first step towards effective management.
- Urgency: Sudden, compelling urges to urinate that are difficult to control.
- Frequency: Needing to urinate more often than usual, including during the night.
- Urge Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine following a strong urge to urinate.
- Nocturia: Waking up two or more times during the night to urinate.
Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding the factors that contribute to OAB helps in tailoring appropriate treatment plans.
- Dietary and Lifestyle factors: over- consumption of food and drinks that irritate the bladder muscle (e.g. caffeine, alcohol).
- Muscle Dysfunction: Overactivity of the bladder muscles.
- Nerve Issues: Damage or dysfunction of nerves controlling bladder function.
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause-related hormonal shifts in women.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections can exacerbate OAB symptoms.
- Bladder Conditions: Conditions such as bladder stones or tumours.
Treatment Options
Effective management of OAB involves a personalized approach based on the underlying cause and individual patient needs.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes, weight management, and fluid adjustments
- Behavioural Therapies: Bladder training, scheduled bathroom breaks, and fluid management.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
- Medications: To relax the bladder muscles or reduce overactivity.
- Botox Injections: To temporarily paralyse overactive bladder muscles.
- Nerve Stimulation: Using electrical impulses to modulate bladder activity.
