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Overactive bladder is a urinary health condition that can affect anyone. Symptoms include a sudden urge to urinate, incontinence, and urinary frequency that can disrupt daily life. Luckily, there are treatment options available.
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Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common health concern that affects millions of people in the United States. It's most prevalent in people aged 65 and older, but can still be experienced at a younger age. In fact, up to 33 million adults in the US are affected by OAB, with approximately 30% of males and 40% of females experiencing OAB. However, experts suggest that the actual number may be higher because many individuals have expressed feeling embarrassed and refraining from seeking the help they need(1).
If you’re experiencing OAB, we’re here to tell you that you are not alone in this journey. We’re so glad you found us and we hope this resource is helpful for you on your urinary health journey.
Those with OAB share that they often face significant disruptions in their daily lives. According to recent research, 39% of women with OAB symptoms report interference with daily activities, and 12% reported they will stay home due to their symptoms. Additionally, 38% reported decreased activity levels. Other common challenges linked to OAB can include disturbed sleep, reduced self-esteem, and feelings of overall declining health (2). Know that if you’re experiencing these challenges, there are ways to mitigate your risk of OAB and various treatment options to get proactive!
So, what is an overactive bladder? Keep reading to learn more about OAB, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
So, what is an overactive bladder? Overactive bladder is a condition where individuals feel a sudden urge to urinate(3). Common symptoms of this urinary health concern include:
Here at Uqora, we understand that these can lead to disrupting your daily life, and, ultimately, your mental health. Our private forum, the Uqora Collective, is a space to connect with others who get it. You can join the Uqora Collective or check out our mental health resource.
Some common overactive bladder causes and contributing factors include:
Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose overactive bladder. Here’s what the process of diagnosis typically involves:
Your doctor might use various approaches to treat OAB, alleviate the symptoms, and improve overall bladder function. From behavioral changes to medical interventions, several options are available to manage OAB. Working closely with your doctor allows you to explore these treatments and find the best approach for you.
Bladder retraining is a behavioral technique that can help improve bladder control. It involves scheduled voiding intervals to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits (voiding is the scientific term for peeing!)
This method starts to train the bladder to hold urine for longer periods and reduces the frequency of urgency(1).
Medications are commonly prescribed to manage overactive bladder symptoms by targeting bladder muscle function or nerve signaling. Anticholinergic medications can help control muscle spasms in your bladder, reducing urgency and frequency(1).
Another class of medications is beta-3 adrenergic agonists, which relax the bladder muscle and increase bladder capacity, leading to improved symptoms(1).
Nerve stimulation therapies target the nerves involved in bladder control. One common technique is sacral neuromodulation, which implants a small wire near the sacral nerves that pass through your tailbone to modulate activity and regulate bladder function(3).
Nerve stimulation is typically considered for individuals who don't respond to more conservative lifestyle changes and behavioral therapy treatments or medications. It may improve their quality of life.
Bladder injections are injected into the bladder wall to relax the bladder muscle and reduce symptoms. One common type of bladder injection therapy is onabotulinumtoxinA (also known as, Botox) injections. A small dose injected into bladder tissues can relax the muscles and increase bladder capacity(3).
Surgery for an overactive bladder is typically the option when other treatments have failed to provide relief. Surgical interventions may increase the bladder's capacity or remove the bladder completely(3).
Surgical interventions for overactive bladder carry risks and potential complications; they're typically only reserved for those with severe symptoms.
Taking steps to reduce the risk of developing an overactive bladder can help you maintain bladder health and prevent any existing symptoms from worsening. Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of an overactive bladder in your everyday life:
While treatments for overactive bladder (OAB) can effectively manage symptoms for many, a complete cure is rare. Various medications, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes can improve OAB symptoms and quality of life but may not provide a permanent solution. Surgery is an option for severe cases, aiming to address underlying bladder dysfunction, but it carries risks and may not guarantee a cure(1).
Overactive bladder (OAB) can significantly impact daily life. Many individuals with OAB experience interference with daily activities, including limitations on social engagements and physical exercise. This can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration and isolation, as well as challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle(2). We’re here for you every step of the day, you are not alone in this journey.
Making changes to your diet can help manage overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Some foods and drinks can bother your bladder, making OAB worse. Try cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and drinks with artificial sweeteners(1).
If your treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) isn't providing the relief you hoped for, there are other options to help manage your symptoms and maintain your daily routine. Some people find that using absorbent products like adult diapers or protective pads can provide peace of mind and help them feel more confident when dealing with leaks. Additionally, wearing dark-colored or patterned clothing can help disguise any accidents that may occur(1).
If your treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) doesn't seem to be working, don't lose hope – there are proactive ways that can help you get ahead of OAB. Sometimes, it can take time to find the right treatment that works best for you. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and any side effects you may be experiencing.