An overactive bladder causes an acute onset of urinary frequency and urges to urinate. It is a condition that affects many individuals across the world.
An overactive bladder is characterized by the presence of strong urges to urinate even when there isn’t enough urine stored in your bladder. It is commonly caused by partial blockage of the urethra, which leads to excess contractions in the bladder muscle. If you experience frequent urges to urinate and find it difficult to hold it in for long periods of time, then you might have an overactive bladder. Symptoms of this disorder include feeling the need to pee frequently during the day and night.
In this article, we will explain the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of an overactive bladder.
What Causes an Overactive Bladder?
In case of a healthy bladder, the kidney produces urine, which passes from your bladder via the urethra. A muscle in the urethra, known as the sphincter, opens and releases urine outside the body.
After that, nerve signals are sent to the brain when the bladder gets filled. This leads to the need to urinate.
But in case of an overactive bladder, the muscles of the bladder contract on their own. These contractions are called involuntary contractions. These contractions lead to an urgent need to urinate.
This condition is characterized by an uncontrolled urge to urinate. Some studies have suggested that a few medications and life stresses can trigger the condition.
Here are some conditions that can cause an overactive bladder-
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes that might happen in women during menopause
- Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis
- Urinary tract infections
- Conditions that impact the bladder, like bladder stones or tumour
- Specific medications that can cause the body to make a significant amount of urine
- Aging can lead to a decline in cognitive function, which can make it difficult for the bladder to understand the signals sent by the brain
The Problems an Overactive Bladder Can Cause
- Emotional distress
- Sleep disturbances
- Interrupted sleep cycles
Symptoms of an Overactive Bladder
The most common symptoms of an overactive bladder are-
- You may feel the need to urinate every few hours.
- You’ll find that you must urinate even when you don’t have to.
- You might face difficulty holding urine in your bladder for long periods of time.
Diagnosis of an Overactive Bladder
When you experience frequent urges to urinate, you may have an overactive bladder. Your doctor can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and your medical history.
Your doctor will ask you detailed questions about your daily urination habits, as well as your medical history and medications. You may also have to take a urine test to check the specific health markers of your bladder. This can be done with a urine collection kit, or you may be able to provide a urine sample at your doctor’s office.
Prevention Methods to Reduce the Risk of an Overactive Bladder
There are many prevention methods to reduce the risk of an overactive bladder. The most effective way to prevent this condition is to eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise. These factors reduce the risk of urinary stress incontinence.
Reducing the consumption of caffeine and alcohol can also help you lower the risk of an overactive bladder. Furthermore, you must manage conditions like diabetes.
You must also maintain a bladder diary. In this diary, you need to note down when you urinate. This diary can help you understand your body better. For instance, you’ll know the specific food items that cause you to urinate more.
One of the best ways to treat this condition is to take help from a medical professional. In India, looking for the best urology hospital in Bangalore, Mumbai, or Hyderabad is a wise decision as these locations provide the most cost effective treatment.
Conclusion
An overactive bladder is a condition that affects many people. In case you suffer from this condition, then you must discuss it with a Urology doctor. They can provide you with treatment and medication to treat this condition. Furthermore, they can suggest the lifestyle changes required to reduce the risk of an overactive bladder.