Overactive Bladder Specialist

Why do I have overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder is a chronic condition that can lead to sudden urges to urinate that are so strong, you lose your bladder or experience leakage. Normally, when urine drains into your bladder, nerve signals let you know it’s time to “go.”

But when you have overactive bladder, your bladder muscles start contracting involuntarily. You feel the urge to “go” much earlier than is normal. This occurs even when you have little to no urine in your bladder. If you have overactive bladder, it could be caused by or related to:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Frequent voiding to prevent urinary incontinence
• Prolapse
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes
• Age-related decline in cognitive function 
• Certain medications, especially diuretics 
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
• Neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis

Occasionally, women who struggle with overactive bladder also develop fecal incontinence. In any case, though, it’s important to get to the root of why you have bladder or bowel problems so you can get started on treatment.

What are the symptoms of overactive bladder?

An overactive bladder can disrupt your life and make it feel like you have to suddenly race to the bathroom, even if you just went or know you don’t have to go. If you have overactive bladder, you may also experience:

• Nocturia, where you wake up two or more times to urinate during sleep
• Frequent urination, usually more than eight times per day. 
• Involuntary urine loss

Your overactive bladder urge can become so severe, you feel pain and cramping. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, the leading urogynecologists at The Woman’s Center encourage you to schedule an exam. 

How is overactive bladder treated?

Your overactive bladder treatment plan from The Woman’s Center is entirely personalized to you and the severity of your condition. Treating overactive bladder can include one or more of the following therapies:

• Kegel exercises 
• Bladder retraining 
• Antibiotic medications
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Prescription medications to calm an overactive bladder
• Cystoscopy Botox® injections 
• Sacral neuromodulation (interstim)  
• In-office percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)

As a last resort, you may need surgery to correct the underlying problem. But with a team of highly skilled board-certified surgeons available at The Woman’s Center, you can feel confident that you’re in entirely capable hands. 

Book your overactive bladder exam at The Woman’s Center by clicking on the online scheduler. You can also call the office to speak with a team member.