Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is the sudden and urgent need to urinate. It is often characterized by the inability to get to the bathroom in time to urinate. Involuntary leakage of urine can occur. Having to wake from sleep to go to the bathroom during the night may be another symptom of OAB.

Causes of OAB

There are a variety of causes of OAB. It is important to have full and comprehensive examination by a Urologist to illicit the cause of OAB. Causes of OAB include neurologic disorders, impaired mobility, dietary habits, chronic pain, history of recurrent urinary tract infection, pelvic prolapse and age. An estimated 46 million adults, older than age 40 in the US report OAB symptoms. The prevalence of OAB symptoms increases with age in both men and women.

Symptoms

Urgency is the hallmark symptom- the compelling desire to
Urinate that is difficult to defer.
Frequent urination
Nocturia- Waking up at night to urinate
Uncontrollable leakage of urine

Diagnosis

Most cases of OAB are diagnosed through a detailed history, physical examination and symptom assessment. Other tests may be utilized to aid the physician in making the correct diagnosis

Additional testing include:

Urine analysis / Urine culture
Bladder scan for post void residual (PVR) volume
Voiding diary
Blood tests
Ultrasound or CT scan
Urodynamics (UDS)
Cystoscopy

Treatment

Treatment of OAB follows a three-tier approach that include the following:

Behavioral therapies

Bladder Training
Pelvic Muscle Exercises
Biofeedback
Fluid and Dietary Management

Oral Medications

Antimuscarinic
Beta-3 Agonist

Transdermal preparations

Neuromodulation

Interstim ^® and Botox ^® injections