Overactive Bladder: You Don’t Have to Suffer Alone

An overactive bladder is a condition that causes a sudden and frequent urge to urinate that is difficult to control and can sometimes lead to an unintentional loss of urine (urgency incontinence).

Symptoms can also include:

● Frequent urination- usually more than 8 times a day

● Nocturia (waking up more than twice a night to urinate)

What predisposes someone to an overactive bladder (OAB)?

Let’s first learn what normal bladder function looks like and what can predispose someone to an overactive bladder.

Our kidneys release urine into the bladder through long tubes called ureters. Once the bladder is full, nerve signals allow a sphincter in the urethra to contract and open to release urine out of the body. In females the urethral opening is present just above the vaginal opening while in men it is present at the tip of the penis.

In an overactive bladder, the nerve signals cause the sphincter to abnormally contract even when the bladder is not full. This can occur in certain medical conditions such as:

● Neurological disorders, such as stroke

● Diabetes which can cause damage to the nerve endings in the bladder

● Urinary tract infections that can cause symptoms similar to those of an overactive bladder

● Hormonal changes during menopause in women

● Conditions affecting the bladder, such as tumors or bladder stones.

● Factors that get in the way of urine leaving the bladder, such as an enlarged prostate, constipation or previous surgery to treat incontinence

● Medications such as diuretics

● Excessive caffeine or alcohol

● Declining cognitive function due to aging, which may make it more difficult for your bladder to understand the signals it receives from your bladder

● Difficulty walking, which can lead to bladder urgency if you're unable to get to the bathroom

What can be done for an Overactive Bladder?

● Diet and lifestyle: Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption. Weight loss in overweight or obese individuals can help, especially if diabetes is present.

● Behavioral modifications and bladder training: Kegel exercises can help with OAB and certain types of bladder training. For example, scheduling bathroom visits every hour for example and then if urgency occurs in between, using distractions such as counting deep breaths, standing up, or sitting down until the scheduled time to go. This trains your bladder. Contracting of the pelvic muscles using kegel exercises can also help.

● Medications have been very helpful in allowing patients with OAB to lead normal lives. Some of the most common ones are:

1- Myrbetriq Buy Myrbetriq Online – Mirabegron Canada

2- Vesicare Buy Vesicare Online – Solifenacin Canada

3- Enablex Buy Enablex Online – Darifenacin Canada

4- Detrol Buy Detrol Online – Tolterodine Canada

As always, please consult with your doctor to see what options are best for you and to incorporate lifestyle modifications and medications into your treatment plan.

References:

1-https://www.uptodate.com/contents/urgency-urinary-incontinence-overactive-bladder-oab-in-females-treatment?search=overactive%20bladder&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

2-https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/overactive-bladder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355715