Overactive bladder, or OAB, is one of the most common urinary symptoms, affecting primarily women. It is characterized by an urgent need to urinate, frequent visits to the bathroom, and a strong urge to pass urine. Though treatments to manage are varied and can range from simple lifestyle changes to drug therapy, not all sufferers are candidates for drug therapy. Many women who experience the most bothersome urinary symptoms can find relief by avoiding certain medications or using alternative treatment modalities, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Here are a few treatments available today to help manage OAB:
1. Absorbent pads
Absorbent pads designed for light bladder leaks can help relieve OAB symptoms. These pads are available in several sizes, shapes, and textures that can absorb moisture, even in small amounts. They can be worn at all times, even while sleeping. Absorbent pads are non-prescription products available over the counter at any local pharmacy or supermarket. Some women prefer to use urinary pads for protection, especially during heavy exercise, as wearing protective underwear does not allow for intimate activities. While pads can be used regularly, they are often associated with leakage.
2. Intermittent catheterization
Intermittent catheterization is a method that involves the insertion of a small thin tube into the bladder via the urethra. This process allows for draining urine from the bladder, helping control symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and incontinence. This method is usually reserved only after less invasive methods have failed to relieve symptoms. It also requires close medical supervision, as complications may arise depending on how long it has been since catheterization was last performed.
3. Drugs like Detrol
These are prescription drugs that help control symptoms by relaxing the bladder muscles. They work by decreasing the number of bladder and pelvic floor muscle spasms. This type of drug blocks the release of an acetylcholine chemical responsible for the contraction of bladder muscles and those in other organs. They work best in women with overactive bladders who have movement disorders unrelated to neurological problems.
4. Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises train pelvic floor muscles to squeeze, hold, and relax. When this muscle is trained correctly, it improves symptoms associated with an overactive bladder. They can be performed anywhere, at any time. Performing them regularly may strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and help you manage the urge to pass urine with less urgency or leakage. Many women find that performing kegels during stressful or demanding activities helps take their minds off urinating.
5. Bladder training
Bladder training refers to establishing a regular pattern of urination to prevent the symptoms. Utilizing pelvic physical therapy and learning to eliminate urine promptly helps prevent over-activity of the bladder muscles and relaxes the muscles when symptoms are not present. Setting individualized goals for urination time and interval can also help you manage symptoms by decreasing the involuntary urgency to urinate. Pelvic floor exercises are designed to train the pelvic muscles to squeeze, hold and relax. They have been shown to improve urinary symptoms in women with overactive bladder, including those with urgency, urgency incontinence, and weak kegel muscles resulting from childbirth.
Overactive bladder can be a very embarrassing condition to live with. Though the symptoms are not dangerous or life-threatening, they can still be emotionally and physically taxing on a woman’s body. It is vital to seek professional guidance in finding relief from this condition. There are many alternative tools available that can offer relief with minimal side effects or discomfort.