Overactive Bladder

What is an overactive bladder?

An overactive bladder is not a condition in and of itself, but a collection of urinary symptoms. Not everyone shares the same experience of an overactive bladder, so your symptoms might be different from those of a friend or even a close relative.

Some of the signs of an overactive bladder include:

• The need to urinate frequently throughout the day
• A sudden, intense urge to urinate
• Leakage at the onset of the urge to urinate
• Waking up during the night because of the need to urinate
  
  

There are times when you might need to urinate more frequently than normal, including if you’re drinking more water, alcohol, or other beverages. However, if you begin to notice changes in your bathroom habits that persist over time, you may want to schedule a diagnostic exam.

Am I at risk for an overactive bladder?

According to researchers, as many as 30% of men and 40% of women live with overactive bladder symptoms. The problem is more common in older adults, but it can occur at any age.

Some risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing an overactive bladder include:

• Neurologic disorders
• Pelvic muscle weakness
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes
• Urinary tract infections
• Certain diseases, including stroke and multiple sclerosis
  
  

Don’t accept the symptoms of an overactive bladder as an inevitable part of growing older when there are treatments that can help.

What are some treatments for an overactive bladder?

Lifestyle modifications can help improve your experience with an overactive bladder. Limiting fluid intake in the evening hours, avoiding foods and beverages that affect your bladder, and creating a bathroom schedule can all help reduce the urge to urinate.

A technique called double voiding can also help. This involves waiting a few seconds after urinating before trying again, which can help to empty your bladder fully.

Medications can also play a role in your treatment plan. Some drugs work to relax your bladder muscle to accommodate more urine, and others prevent your bladder from squeezing when it isn’t full.

BOTOXⓇ injections are also a great way to treat an overactive bladder. These injections prevent your bladder from squeezing and contracting too much, lessening the urge to urinate.

Spokane Urology also offers a treatment called percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). This nonsurgical approach uses carefully controlled electrical current to stimulate the nerves that control your bladder and pelvic floor muscles.

When you’re ready to take a new approach to control your bathroom visits, call Spokane Urology to set up a visit or take advantage of the simple online booking tool at any time.