Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate that may be difficult to control. It affects millions of people and can significantly impact quality of life, but effective treatments are available.

Treatable Condition

Expert Care Available

Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Home Care Prevention Surgery

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What Causes It?

Involuntary bladder muscle contractions (detrusor muscle dysfunction)

Neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease

Bladder conditions including tumors, stones, or urinary tract infections

Hormonal changes during menopause or estrogen deficiency

Medications that increase urine production or require high fluid intake

Diabetes and metabolic disorders affecting bladder function

Enlarged prostate in men causing bladder outlet obstruction

Constipation putting pressure on the bladder

Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption

Age-related changes in bladder function and capacity

Signs & Symptoms

Sudden, urgent need to urinate that's difficult to control (urinary urgency)

Frequent urination (8 or more times in 24 hours)

Urge incontinence - involuntary urine leakage following urgent need

Nocturia - waking up 2 or more times at night to urinate

Difficulty reaching the bathroom in time when urgency occurs

Anxiety and stress related to bladder control issues

Sleep disruption due to frequent nighttime urination

Social isolation or avoidance of activities due to fear of accidents

How We Diagnose

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and assess your condition

Medical History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history about your symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors. A physical exam will check your abdomen, pelvis, genitals, and rectum to identify potential causes.

Urinalysis and Urine Culture

A urine sample is tested to check for infections, blood, bacteria, or other abnormalities that could be causing overactive bladder symptoms. This helps rule out urinary tract infections as a cause.

Bladder Diary

You'll track your fluid intake, urination frequency, urgency episodes, and any incontinence for several days. This provides valuable information about your bladder patterns and potential triggers.

Post-Void Residual (PVR) Testing

This test measures how much urine remains in your bladder after urination using ultrasound or catheterization. It helps determine if you're emptying your bladder completely.

Urodynamic Testing

Advanced testing that measures bladder pressure, capacity, and muscle function during filling and emptying. This is typically reserved for complex cases or when other treatments have failed.

Cystoscopy

A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra to visually examine the inside of the bladder and urethra for abnormalities, stones, or tumors.

Treatment Options

Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition

Behavioral Therapies

First-line treatments including bladder training, scheduled voiding, and fluid management. These techniques help retrain your bladder and can be highly effective with proper guidance and practice.

Anticholinergic Medications

Medications such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, and solifenacin that help relax the bladder muscle and reduce involuntary contractions. These are commonly prescribed second-line treatments.

Beta-3 Agonist Medications

Newer medications like mirabegron and vibegron that work by relaxing the bladder muscle through a different mechanism, often with fewer side effects than anticholinergics.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections

Botox injected directly into the bladder muscle can reduce overactivity for 6-9 months. This third-line treatment is effective for refractory cases but may require intermittent catheterization.

Sacral Neuromodulation (InterStim)

A small device implanted under the skin sends electrical impulses to nerves that control bladder function. This 'bladder pacemaker' can be very effective for severe, treatment-resistant cases.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)

Weekly 30-minute sessions where a thin needle stimulates the tibial nerve at the ankle, which connects to nerves controlling bladder function. Less invasive than sacral neuromodulation.

Home Remedies

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

Strengthen the muscles that support your bladder and urethra. Contract your pelvic floor muscles for 5-10 seconds, then relax for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times, 3 times daily for best results.

Bladder Training Techniques

Gradually increase the time between bathroom visits by delaying urination when you feel the urge. Start with 10-15 minute delays and progressively increase. This helps retrain your bladder to hold more urine.

Dietary Modifications

Limit bladder irritants including caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners. Keep a food diary to identify your personal triggers and eliminate them gradually.

Fluid Management

Drink adequate fluids (6-8 glasses daily) but avoid excessive intake. Time fluid consumption to reduce nighttime symptoms - limit fluids 2-3 hours before bedtime while maintaining proper hydration.

Double Voiding Technique

After urinating, wait 30 seconds then try to urinate again. This ensures complete bladder emptying and can reduce frequency. Lean slightly forward while sitting to help empty the bladder completely.

Stress Management and Relaxation

Practice stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Stress can worsen overactive bladder symptoms, so managing anxiety and tension can provide significant relief.

Prevention Tips

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles

Exercise regularly to maintain overall pelvic floor strength and general health

Practice good bathroom habits - don't delay urination unnecessarily but avoid frequent 'just in case' trips

Manage chronic conditions like diabetes that can affect bladder function

Stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake, especially before bedtime

Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption which can irritate the bladder

Quit smoking as it can worsen bladder symptoms and increase infection risk

Treat constipation promptly as it can put pressure on the bladder

Perform regular pelvic floor exercises to maintain muscle strength and function

Seek early treatment for urinary tract infections to prevent bladder irritation

Surgical Solutions

Advanced surgical procedures performed by our expert specialists

Sacral Neuromodulation (InterStim)

Implantation of a small device that stimulates sacral nerves to improve bladder control

Botulinum Toxin Bladder Injections

Injection of Botox into the bladder muscle to reduce overactivity and urgency

Augmentation Cystoplasty

Bladder enlargement surgery using intestinal tissue for severe refractory cases

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)

Minimally invasive nerve stimulation procedure performed in office setting

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our specialists are here to provide expert care for overactive bladder. Schedule your consultation today.

Book Appointment Online Call: (040) 4402 0000

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Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM