Overactive Bladder

What is overactive bladder?

If your bladder tends to release urine at the wrong time, you may have an overactive bladder. Those who suffer from this condition report experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

• Urinating 8 or more times per day or 2 or more times per night
• Having a strong and sudden need to urinate immediately
• Leaking urine after a strong and sudden need to urinate

People who suffer from overactive bladder may also experience urinary incontinence, which is a loss of control over bladder functioning. This condition—coupled with urinary incontinence—can negatively impact a person’s functioning and well-being.

What causes overactive bladder?

Typically, the bladder remains relaxed until it starts getting full, after which the urinary system signals that you need to urinate. In such cases, you are able to delay urination for a period of time. With overactive bladder, the brain signals tell you to empty your bladder even if it isn’t full. The muscles contract to pass urine before the bladder is full, causing a strong and sudden urge to urinate.

Certain medical conditions may be associated with symptoms of overactive bladder, such as acute urinary tract infections, bladder abnormalities, constipation, excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine, medications that increase urine production, and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

How is overactive bladder treated?

When you see your doctor for overactive bladder, you will discuss the symptoms of your overactive bladder, medical and family history, and undergo a physical exam. In some cases, you may need to complete diagnostic testing. From there, your doctor will determine the cause of your overactive bladder and devise a treatment plan.

At M. DelCharco Jr., MD, LLC, we are pleased to offer the minimally invasive Urgent PC treatment system using percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation to relieve the symptoms of overactive bladder and other urgency conditions in women and men. To learn more about the drug-free, non-surgical PTNS Treatment with Urgent PC, contact our offices today.