Bladder control problems range from urinating too frequently to actual urine leakage (urinary incontinence). These problems affect millions of people of all ages and both sexes. Unfortunately, many people feel so ashamed that they may even hide their problem from their doctor. If your incontinence interferes with your daily life, seek help promptly. Our experienced urologists can recommend many new treatments to cure or manage your problem, letting you resume a normal life free from worry and shame.
Overactive Bladder
Symptoms
- A sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Inability to get to the bathroom in time
- Frequent need to urinate, including at night
- Feeling the urge to urinate when you hear water running or just spontaneously
- Leaking urine when you stand up after sitting
Causes
- A diet high in bladder irritants such as coffee, tea, chocolate or acidic fruit juices
- Urinary tract or vaginal infections
- Bowel problems
- Some medications
- Damage to the nervous system caused by Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, back problems, or other medical problems
Resources
- Bladder Matters, an easy-to-read book that will educate you about OAB.
- Frequently asked questions
- Three-day diary for recording your bathroom behaviors in order to assess if you have OAB.
- Doctor discussion guide for preparing for your appointment.
- Expectations for your OAB treatment
- Evaluation of your OAB treatment
Diagnosis
The first step is a thorough history and physical by your doctor, who will examine your abdominal and genital area carefully. Additional tests may include:
- Bladder diary - your doctor may ask you to keep a record of what you drink and your urine output
- Urinalysis
- Blood tests
More specialized tests that your urologist may perform include:
- Postvoid residual test (PVR) - your doctor can determine how well you empty your bladder by using an ultrasound (most common) or by inserting a catheter into your urethra and bladder to determine the amount of leftover (residual) urine. A large amount may indicate a blockage, or a nerve or muscle problem.
- Pelvic ultrasound - painlessly checks for abnormalities in the bladder,urinary tract or genitals.
- Stress test - your doctor looks for leaking urine when you cough or bear down.
- Urodynamic test - a simple office test that helps determine the best treatment plan by assessing how your bladder functions and why you are having problems.
- Cystogram - a special X-ray of your bladder.
- Cystoscopy - a tiny instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra to look for and possibly remove abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on your type of incontinence and its cause. Thankfully, most people can be treated successfully, allowing them to enjoy a normal life again. Your doctor may start with less invasive treatments first, such as behavioral changes or medication, and then use medical devices or surgery if other treatments don’t adequately address your incontinence. Blockages usually must be treated surgically; however, those caused by prostate enlargement maybe treated with medication.
Lifestyle Changes (improvement may take time)
- Fluid and diet management - avoid caffeinated or tomato-based food and drink, and drink adequate water
- Bladder retraining - follow a schedule for bathroom trips and gradually increase the length of time between them to improve your bladder control
- Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises - learn techniques to strengthen your pelvic muscles
- Biofeedback - can help you determine when you're exercising the right muscles
- Special absorbent pads and underwear - these have improved in recent years and can help you feel more confident, especially while undergoing diagnosis and initial treatment
Medications
- If you have overactive bladder or urge incontinence, your doctor may prescribe medications to relax your bladder muscles.
- If you urinate frequently at night, you may need a medication that helps your body make less urine at night.
Non-surgical Devices
- Electrical stimulation devices - electrodes may be placed temporarily in the rectum, vagina or behind your ankle to painlessly strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Urethral plugs and pessaries - a woman with stress incontinence inserts a plug into her urethra when she wants to stop urine leakage, or a health professional inserts a pessary (rubber ring) into the vagina to reduce leakage.
Surgery and Implanted Devices
- Bulking agent - for stress incontinence, your doctor may inject a thick substance called a bulking agent into the area around the bladder to support it. This outpatient procedure takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Electrical device - may be implanted to control urine flow. This is a type of "bladder pacemaker."
- Sling surgery - a minimally invasive surgery that takes about 20-30 minutes. A piece of your own tissue or a synthetic material is used to support the bladder neck and urethra.
- Radiofrequency bladder neck suspension - a minimally invasive procedure in which the pelvic tissue is gradually and precisely heated, allowing it to shrink and stabilize to keep the urethra from leaking.
- Retropubic suspension - your surgeon attaches the bladder to structures behind the pubic bone to provide more support. This can be done laparoscopically.