What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

OAB is an acronym for overactive bladder. OBA is a prevalent urological issue defined as urinating with a sudden and recurrent tug in urination that is very hard to manage. It often comes with the urgency of urination, frequency, Nocturia, and in some cases, urge incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine). It is not a disease but a symptom complex resulting from overactivity of the bladder muscle.

Who is at Risk of Developing OAB?

OAB can affect both genders, but it is quite an occurrence in older adults and a bit common in women. Other risk factors include neurological conditions, diabetes, obesity, and a history of UTIs.

What are the Common Symptoms of Overactive Bladder?

Urgent desire to urinate – sudden and severe
Often urination – more than 8 times in 24 hours
Night time urination – having to wake up very often during the night to urinate.
Urge incontinence – when urine involuntarily passes after the event of a strong desire to urinate occurs.

What does an Overactive Bladder cause?

Involuntary contractions of the bladder's detrusor muscle are the most common cause; others include the following potential contributory factors –

Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis)
Bladder abnormalities or inflammation
Bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate in men)
Certain medications
Lifestyle factors such as caffeine and alcohol

Generally, in most cases, the cause remains unidentified or idiopathic.

How is an overactive bladder diagnosed?

This diagnosis involves - that is, with patient history and symptoms, and tests:-

Medical history and physical exam
Bladder diary (tracking urination habits over days)
Urinalysis to rule out infection or blood
Post-void residual (PVR) test – measures urine left after urination
Urodynamic studies – assess bladder pressure and function
Cystoscopy (if necessary) – visualizes bladder lining

What needs medical treatment in an overactive bladder?

As the goal is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, the following are options employed to treat the condition:-

1. Lifestyle & Behavioural Modifications

Timed voiding (scheduled bathroom visits)
Bladder training (gradually increase time between urinations)
Fluid management (limit caffeine, alcohol, and fluids before bedtime)

2. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

The control function of the urinary muscle

3. Medications

Antimuscarinics (oxybutynin, tolterodine) relax bladder muscles
Beta-3 adrenergic agonists (mirabegron) reduce urgency and frequency

4. Botox Injections

In non-responders to oral medications, it will relax the bladder muscle.

5. Neuromodulation Therapy

An electrical stimulation of nerves (sacral or tibial) regulates bladder function.

6. Surgery (Rare)

Only in very severe cases that have not responded to any treatments.

what does long-term prognosis look like for a person with OAB?

Most patients get considerable symptom relief with the proper treatment or healthy lifestyle changes, as the earlier the diagnosis, the better. Unfortunately, OAB may become a lifelong need for maintenance. Generally, patients who follow their treatment plan can lead whole, active lives without any problem.

Can an overactive bladder be avoided?

The following things can reduce this condition:-

Reducing irritants to the bladder, like caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol
Achieving a healthy weight.
Staying physically active.
Giving up the habit of smoking
Control of chronic diseases, such as diabetes
Failure to manage constipation also irritates the bladder.

How can I live with OAB comfortably?

When managing OAB, it isn't just about visiting the doctor's office, as some steps may help recover from the complication, as suggested:-

Wearing absorbent pads or underwear in case of leakage
Planning bathroom accessibility while out in the community
Utilising reminder applications for scheduled voiding
Practising relaxation by breathing to reduce muscular tension in and around the bladder
Support groups may help by motivating with tips.
Continue with treatment and follow-ups

Why Choose Tender Palm Hospital for Overactive Bladder treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Urologists and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Urology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Overactive Bladder in Lucknow, India.