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Understanding Overactive Bladder Causes And Treatment Options

22 February 2022 by Joann Dunn

Anyone suffering from an overactive bladder, OAB, knows how frustrating it is to always be near a restroom or looking for one. What's worse is the sudden and numerous urges to urinate don't always happen during the day. Some people with OAB suffer incontinence which affects the quality of sleep.

Some people with this condition don't drink enough fluids, especially when away from home, and this leads to even more health issues. So, what causes the bladder to act this way? What are effective treatment options?

Understanding Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder happens due to a problem with bladder function causing an abrupt urge to urinate. While OAB mainly happens in women, men can suffer from it, too.

With an overactive bladder, the urge to urinate is hard to control. This causes embarrassment due to frequent bathroom trips and potential incontinence.

This is a chronic condition that can get better with treatment, but it never completely goes away. For this reason, it's best to seek medical advice for treatment options.

Causes Of Overactive Bladder

The cause of an overactive bladder can differ based on gender. In men, it's often due to an enlarged prostate.

For both sexes, there are several possible causes, including:

• Nerve damage
• Certain medications
• Alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Being overweight
• Weak pelvic floor muscles
• Infection

Your doctor can help determine the cause to provide the best treatment options.

Treatments For Overactive Bladder

The treatment depends on the cause and is often a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes include:

• Losing weight
• Doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
• Cut back on alcohol and caffeine
• Biofeedback

Your doctor may prescribe a bladder relaxant to calm spasms and reduce the urge to urinate. Self-care is also important and includes these tips.

• Use absorbent pads to reduce embarrassment from accidents
• Create a toileting schedule
• Bladder train by increasing time between bathroom trips
• Double voiding—urinating twice within a few minutes to ensure you empty the bladder

A combination approach helps most people find the relief they need to control an overactive bladder.

If you try all these treatment options and find you still have urgency or incontinence issues, schedule an appointment with a urologist. A urologist specializes in treating the urinary tract system.

Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist if you discuss the issue with him or her. There are treatment options, so don't be afraid to reach out for help with OAB. 

For more information on overactive bladder issues and treatments, contact a doctor.

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