Overactive Bladder Specialist

What is overactive bladder?

An overactive bladder is a type of urinary incontinence that causes you to experience an intense urge to urinate that may lead to a loss of the contents of your bladder before you reach the bathroom. Overactive bladder is common, affecting more than 30 million Americans, and tends to be more prevalent in women than men.

An overactive bladder can be embarrassing and affect your quality of life, causing you to withdraw from your usual social activities. The doctors at Urological Associates can help you manage the condition so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.

What causes overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder occurs due to an involuntary contraction of your bladder muscles, which can develop for many reasons. Common causes include:

• Diabetes
• Neurological conditions
• Urinary tract infection
• Too much caffeine or alcohol

Other factors that block urine flow may also lead to an overactive bladder, such as an enlarged prostate or constipation. In some cases, however, the underlying cause of overactive bladder may be unknown.

How is overactive bladder diagnosed?

Your specialist at Urological Associates conducts a comprehensive examination to determine if your urinary incontinence is due to overactive bladder. In addition to a discussion about your symptoms, your specialist may also:

• Review your medical history
• Conduct a thorough physical exam
• Take a urine sample
• Complete a focused neurological exam to assess for sensory changes

Your specialist may also conduct a urodynamic test to assess your bladder function and check how well it empties.

What treatments can improve my overactive bladder?

Your doctor at Urological Associates develops a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, the underlying cause of your bladder issues, and your overall health. Initially, your specialist may suggest behavioral changes to help you gain control over bladder function, such as:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• A bathroom schedule
• Limited fluid intake at certain times of the day
• Bladder training
• Use of absorbent pads
• Sacral Neuromodulation

Your specialist may also prescribe medication to relax the bladder and prevent the involuntary muscle movement.

The doctors at Urological Associates also offer a number of specialty treatments for overactive bladder including Botox® injections, which temporarily paralyzes the muscles, and InterStim® therapy, which is a device that regulates the nerve impulses to the bladder to decrease symptoms.

Overactive bladder is a common condition but can be managed with the right medical help. For expert care of your overactive bladder, call Urological Associates today or book an appointment online.