Overview
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate. It can lead to frequent bathroom visits and sometimes involuntary loss of urine (urge incontinence).
Symptoms
- Urgency: A sudden, intense need to urinate immediately.
- Frequency: Urinating more than 8 times in 24 hours.
- Nocturia: Waking up more than once a night to urinate.
- Urge Incontinence: Leakage following a strong urge.
Causes
OAB occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily even when the bladder volume is low. It can be caused by neurological disorders, hormonal changes, or bladder abnormalities, though often the specific cause is unknown.
Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
Fluid management, bladder training, and pelvic floor exercises are the first steps.
Advanced Therapies
If medications fail, options include Botox injections into the bladder or Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS).