Overactive Bladder (OAB)
When a patient experiences frequent episodes of a sudden, uncomfortable urge to urinate with or without leakage, he/she may have a condition referred to as overactive bladder (OAB). OAB affects millions of people, and it can be embarrassing and disruptive to their lives. In addition to urinary urgency, many patients with OAB also complain of day- and nighttime frequency. The bladder is made up of muscle that squeezes when we urinate. In OAB, the bladder muscle squeezes more often than normal and at inappropriate times.
There are certain urologic conditions - bladder cancer, urinary tract infections, and an enlarged prostate - whose symptoms are very similar to OAB's. These diagnoses must be excluded during the patient's evaluation. While in many instances the cause of OAB is unclear, the side effects of certain drugs, neurologic disorders, and prior stroke can result in OAB symptoms.
Once OAB has been diagnosed, there are a variety of treatment options available to the patient. There are medications that relax the bladder, preventing contraction of the muscle and urine leakage. These medications include oxybutynin and tolterodine. In addition to medications, behavioral maneuvers (timed voiding, fluid restriction, muscle exercises, and biofeedback) are helpful in some. Dietary changes, weight loss, and smoking cessation may improve symptoms, as well. In patients who fail medical and behavioral therapies, neuromodulation and surgery, as a last resort, may be offered.
| Service Name | Appointment |
|---|---|
| Urology - Adult | |
| General Urology | A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center | 734-936-7030 |
| Livonia Center for Specialty Care | 734-936-7030 |
| Ypsilanti Health Center | 734-936-7030 |
