Overactive bladder is a condition where the bladder begins urination at inappropriate times. Symptoms of an overactive bladder include urinating more than eight times a day, experiencing sudden urges to urinate, and involuntary leakage of urine.

Various conditions can contribute to an overactive bladder, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and neurological disorders. Treating these underlying issues may help alleviate symptoms. If the underlying cause is untreatable, your urologist might suggest behavioral techniques, medication, or specific exercises to manage the condition.

At Golden Gate Urology, our urologists are highly skilled in managing overactive bladder. If you are experiencing urinary symptoms, schedule an appointment with us today.

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Causes

Overactive bladder occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, even when there is only a small amount of urine present. This contraction leads to a sudden and urgent need to urinate. Several conditions and risk factors can contribute to an overactive bladder, including:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bladder stones
  • Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
  • Neurological disorders, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis
  • Aging

Treating any underlying conditions may help alleviate the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Symptoms include:

  • A sudden, intense urge to urinate
  • Incontinence, where urine leakage occurs
  • Frequent urination, more than eight times a day

If you are experiencing urinary issues, it is important to consult your doctor for a proper evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing symptoms of an overactive bladder, your urologist will start by conducting a urine analysis to check for any infections. They will review your medical history to identify potential underlying causes of your symptoms. A physical examination will also be performed, concentrating on the bladder and pelvic area.

Additionally, your doctor may use an ultrasound to determine if you are fully emptying your bladder during urination. Measuring the urine flow rate with a uroflowmeter is also a common diagnostic procedure.

Treatment

If your overactive bladder is linked to behavioral habits or an underlying condition, addressing these factors will be the first step in treatment.

If treating the underlying condition does not alleviate the symptoms, other treatment options may include:

  • Behavioral Techniques: Your doctor might recommend bladder training to improve muscle control, which includes scheduled bathroom breaks and managing fluid intake. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegels, can also help strengthen the muscles.
  • Medication: If an overactive bladder persists, your doctor may prescribe medication to relax the bladder muscles.
  • Botox: Injections of Botox into the bladder muscle via a cystoscope may be considered to help reduce symptoms.
  • Surgery: For patients with severe symptoms unresponsive to other treatments, surgical options may be explored. The goal of surgery is to enhance the bladder’s ability to store and retain urine.

FAQs

Who is at risk for an overactive bladder?

​Overactive bladder is more common in patients who have urinary tract infections, bladder stones, excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol, neurological disorders, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, or old age.

How often should I urinate?

You should urinate every 2-3 hours if you are regularly consuming liquid. This will prevent developing infections such as urinary tract infections that may cause incontinence.

What causes overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder is caused by muscles of the bladder involuntarily contracting, even when there is not much urine in your bladder. This muscle contraction causes an urgent need to urinate.

How is overactive bladder diagnosed?

Your urologist will get a medical history and conduct a physical exam. If needed, urine analysis and further imaging tests of your urinary muscles may be required.

How is overactive bladder treated?

Treatment options can vary based on the severity of incontinence. Treatments can include behavioral techniques such as bladder training and fluid management, pelvic floor muscle exercises, medication, Botox, or surgery.