Overactive Bladder Treatment

What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Urge incontinence treatment helps to address the symptoms of overactive bladder. These include urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria or painful urination, and nocturia or waking up at night to void. Urge incontinence, which is characterized by an abrupt and strong desire to void with the inability to delay urination sometimes resulting in incontinence, is also possible.

What causes OAB?

• OAB is caused by bladder muscle (detrusor) instability, hyperactivity, or hypersensitivity. It may be associated with lower urinary tract problems such as cancer, infection, atrophic vaginitis, or obstruction. OAB can result from central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson’s disease.
• Certain medications can cause OAB; however, many cases of OAB result from an unknown cause that results in the inability to suppress bladder muscle contractions.

How do I know if I have OAB?

• A comprehensive history and physical exam can reveal key signs and symptoms.
• Urodynamics testing to evaluate the function of bladder and urethra.
• Potassium Sensitivity Testing (PST)  to test for Interstitial Cystitis (IC), a bladder disorder that can mimic OAB, may be indicated.
• Other additional diagnostic testing may be ordered to rule out other urinary disorders.

How is OAB treated at Women’s Excellence?

• Weight reduction decreases the pressure on the bladder and improves symptoms.
• Smoking cessation is recommended because nicotine is a bladder irritant.
• Bladder retraining/scheduled voiding is a behavioral technique used to improve bladder capacity and control.
• Anticholinergic medications help with the symptoms of OAB and can help prevent accidents.
• Neuromodulation (Axonics) is like a “pacemaker” for your bladder to help overactivity with costly medications and side effects. This is perfect for patients who can’t afford or don’t want to take medications on a daily basis.
• Treatment for IC – combination therapy consists of oral medications and bladder instillation.
• Botox is FDA approved for the bladder. It can dramatically reduce the overactivity of the bladder. It is simple and safe. This is an outpatient procedure and can be done in less than 10 minutes.

What do you need to know?

A full workup for bladder control is necessary. Women’s Health can work with you to find an urge incontinence treatment to address this issue. Contact us or use our chat today to get started!
Review a summary of symptoms and treatments for an overactive bladder.