OAB in V.

OAB or OVERACTIVE BLADDER, is a condition that causes the frequent, sudden and often uncontrollable urge to urinate. In some instances, there can be leakage associated with OAB as well as the need to get up in the middle of the night to urinate several times. A common sign or symptom of OAB is also known as urinary incontinence. UGH. So, that is WHAT OAB is. But WHY does it happen? WHEN does it happen? WHO does it affect? And HOW can I treat it? 

Here is OAB in V.

i.   WHAT is OAB? We just told you, see above!

ii.  WHY does it happen? There are several reasons why one might have an overactive bladder. One of the most common (in women) is weak pelvic muscles due to pregnancy or birth which can also affect the urethra. Nerve damage from surgery or disease, excess weight or too much alcohol or caffeine consumption can also play a role in OAB. 

iii.  WHEN does it happen? Symptoms may increase with age due to hormonal changes especially in women experiencing peri-menopause or menopause.

iv.  WHO does it affect? OAB affects both men and women. However, women tend to have a higher rate of OAB due to reproductive health events unique to women, like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

v.  HOW can I manage/treat it? OAB is very manageable, and treatments can range from changing certain behaviors to medications to nerve stimulation. 

Here are V. (five) ways to manage OAB.

i. Monitor and/or adjust your health and wellness. Manage the intake of certain foods and beverages including caffeinated drinks or alcohol as well as maintaining a healthy weight are techniques that can help OAB. In addition, physical therapy, pelvic floor exercises and bladder retraining can strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and control urinary urges.

ii. Medication. Certain prescribed oral medications reduce leaks by preventing involuntary bladder spasms (anticholinergics) or relax the muscles of the bladder (beta agonists).

iii. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the bladder have been proven to reduce urinary urgency by helping the nerves relax. The treatment does wear off over time and will need to be repeated approximately every 6 months.

 iv. Neuromodulation or nerve stimulation treatments reduce overactivity of the bladder muscle by electronically stimulating the nerves that control the bladder and in turn helps to provide better bladder control.

v. Periurethral bulking agents are minimally invasive injections around the urethra that increase resistance to the outflow of urine and helps patients gain more control. Collagen is an example of a common bulking agent used in periurethral bulking.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. Discuss OAB symptoms and treatment options with your personal doctor.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.