Overactive bladder (OAB) can quickly go from a nuisance problem to a serious road block to enjoying life. While the biggest indication that you’re dealing with OAB is whether you’ve begun making lifestyle accommodations, here are three commons signs of an overactive bladder, plus where to get treatment if you’re in Reno, Nevada.
Signs of Overactive Bladder
Increased urination frequency, increased urgency, and leakage of urine are the three most common hallmarks of overactive bladder. OAB often begins with some extra sensation of an urge to get to the bathroom, and the urge to go more frequently than used to be the case. It might be a bit of a minor nuisance at first, but it soon becomes frustrating when one must scout out the bathrooms for every trip. It often leads to nighttime wakeups and the need to get to the bathroom in the iddle of the night, interrupting sleep. Two or more times a night is considered abnormal.
Some people then progress to having a sensation of bladder spasms as well as a sense of reduced bladder capacity. This can be uncomfortable and frustrating. The worst problem, however is that with time, the overactive bladder causes leakage of urine. This can begin in small ways and lead to the routine use of a panty liner or a small pad. But often it progresses to requiring a diaper because the volume of urine can be quite substantial, and there is just not enough warning time to make it to the bathroom without having an accident.
What Causes Overactive Bladder?
Sometimes, medications, alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate overactive bladder symptom. The underlying causes most commonly relate to weakness of pelvic floor muscles, loss of coordination of pelvic floor muscles, and loss of proper nerve signaling to the pelvic floor muscles. Excess body weight, neurological conditions, and infection can also contribute to overactive bladder.
How is Overactive Bladder Treated?
Treatment has been frustratingly ineffective. Little innovation has occurred in the world of medications that might help. And although these medicines are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the country, people will tell you that the results are not what they hoped, and they must resort to wearing diapers, one of the highest-growth consumer items sold in the developed world. Pelvic floor exercise therapy can offer some improvement in the neuromuscular coordination and reduce symptoms for some people. Here in Reno, our team and patients have had great success with a sacral neuromodulation pace-making device, which may offer the greatest long-term relief for individuals who have tried first line therapies and found little success with them.
If you or a loved one is dealing with overactive bladder, the Nevada Surgical team can answer your questions about this kind of treatment. Contact us today.
