Overactive Bladder Specialist

What is an overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder is a condition in which the muscle around the bladder is too active. Normally, the muscle should remain relaxed except during urination. 

With an overactive bladder, the muscle contracts frequently and without warning. That can lead to a powerful urge to urinate and urine leakage before reaching the toilet. 

Urine leakage due to overactive bladder is called urge urinary incontinence. In contrast, stress urinary incontinence is urine leakage that happens with sudden movements, like sneezing, physically straining, or coughing.  

Overactive bladder is a common condition among women, with about 4 in 10 experiencing the issue during their lifetime. While it’s common, know that it’s not a normal part of aging. Your symptoms are treatable, and it doesn’t have to cause problems in your life. 

Who experiences overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder is more common in certain groups, with risk factors including: 

• Age - incidence increases as you age
• Menopause
• History of bladder and kidney stones
• History of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder prolapse
• Chronic diseases including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Drinking a lot of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea
• Drinkings a lot of carbonated beverages
• Drinking beverages with artificial sweeteners

Some people have more than one of these risk factors, which significantly increases their chances of developing overactive bladder. 

How is overactive bladder diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves evaluating your symptoms and ruling out other conditions, like pelvic organ prolapse and UTIs. You may need tests like urinalysis, bladder ultrasound, and urodynamic testing. A bladder diary, in which you closely track your urination, can also help in diagnosis.

How is overactive bladder treated?

Overactive bladder treatment may start with conservative changes, like changing your diet and bladder training. You may need to work with a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders for bladder training. 

Overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence medications can reduce bladder activity and increase bladder capacity. That can help you go longer between bathroom breaks, sleep more peacefully, and have fewer accidents. But, medications don’t work for everyone, and some people may not be able to take these medications. 

Valley Urogynecology Associates offers three advanced solutions for overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence, including sacral nerve stimulation, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, and bladder Botox®. These solutions provide long-lasting results but require a minimally invasive procedure.

There are solutions for your overactive bladder, and Valley Urogynecology Associates can help you find the right one. Call the office or schedule your appointment using online booking now.