Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition in which a person experiences a sudden and difficult-to-control urge to urinate. It may also cause frequent urination, waking during the night to urinate and, in some people, leakage of urine before reaching the toilet.
Overactive bladder can affect daily activities, sleep, work and social life. At Divine Care Clinic, Dr. Jaspreet Singh Chhabra provides evaluation and individualized treatment for patients experiencing overactive bladder and other urinary problems.
The bladder normally stores urine until it is convenient to empty. In overactive bladder, the bladder may contract suddenly, creating a strong urge to urinate even when it is not completely full.
Overactive bladder is different from urinary incontinence. However, some people with overactive bladder may also experience urge incontinence, where urine leaks because the urge is difficult to control.
Overactive bladder can have several contributing factors. In some patients, no single cause can be identified.
A proper evaluation helps determine whether overactive bladder is present and whether another urinary condition may be contributing to the symptoms.
Depending on the patient's symptoms, evaluation may include:
Treatment is individualized according to the severity of symptoms, underlying causes and the patient's overall health.
When lifestyle and behavioural measures are not sufficient, prescription medicines may be considered to help reduce bladder contractions and urinary urgency.
The choice of medication depends on the patient's symptoms, medical history and possible side effects. Medicines should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.
Patients with persistent symptoms despite conservative and medical treatment may require further specialist evaluation. Depending on the individual case, advanced treatment options may be considered.
Overactive bladder can affect both men and women. In men, urinary symptoms may sometimes occur alongside prostate enlargement or other urinary obstruction. In women, urinary urgency may occur with other bladder or pelvic floor problems.
Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment should address the specific urinary problem rather than treating symptoms alone.
You should consider a urological evaluation if you frequently need to urinate, experience sudden uncontrollable urges, wake repeatedly at night to pass urine or experience urinary leakage.
Blood in the urine, painful urination, fever, significant pelvic or back pain, or difficulty passing urine should also be medically evaluated.
Overactive bladder can often be managed with the right combination of lifestyle changes, behavioural techniques, medical treatment and, when required, specialist procedures. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and improve urinary symptoms and quality of life.