Overactive Bladder

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Overactive Bladder (OAB): Taking Back Control

Do you find yourself constantly rushing to the bathroom? Are you worried about making it through a movie or a meeting without needing a restroom break? You might be experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB).

OAB is a common condition that causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate, often with little warning. This can lead to:

  • Urinary urgency: A strong, immediate need to urinate that can be difficult to control.
  • Urinary frequency: Going to the bathroom more often than usual (generally 8 or more times in 24 hours).
  • Nocturia: Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate.
  • Urge incontinence: Leaking urine after a sudden urge to go.

These symptoms can significantly disrupt your daily life, affecting your work, sleep, and social activities. But there’s good news: OAB can be effectively managed.

What Causes OAB?

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several factors can contribute to OAB, including:

  • Neurological conditions: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can interfere with nerve signals between the bladder and brain.
  • Medications: Certain medications can increase urine production or affect bladder function.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs can irritate the bladder and cause OAB symptoms.
  • Lifestyle factors: Constipation, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, and low fluid intake can worsen OAB.
  • Pelvic floor muscle weakness: Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to bladder control problems.

Reclaim Your Life: Treatment Options for OAB

At Virginia Beach Obstetrics & Gynecology, we understand the impact OAB can have on your life. Our experienced urogynecologists offer a comprehensive range of treatment options tailored to your individual needs:

  • Lifestyle Modifications:

    • Bladder training: Learning techniques to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits.
    • Dietary changes: Identifying and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or acidic foods.
    • Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the muscles that support the bladder to improve control.
    • Pelvic floor physical therapy: Our office offers pelvic floor physical therapy to help strengthen the pelvic floor.
    • Fluid management: Optimizing your fluid intake to support healthy bladder function.

  • Medications: Various medications can help calm the bladder muscles and reduce urgency and frequency.

  • Other Therapies:

    • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS): A minimally invasive procedure using mild electrical stimulation to regulate bladder activity.
    • Botox injections: Injections into the bladder muscle to temporarily reduce overactivity.
    • Sacral neuromodulation: A surgically implanted device that sends gentle electrical impulses to the nerves controlling the bladder.

Don’t let OAB control your life. Schedule a consultation with our compassionate urogynecology team today. We can help you find the best treatment plan to manage your symptoms and regain confidence. Call us today at (757) 425-1600. 

Dr. Hines and Dr. Burns have provided an educational video on overactive bladder treatment options: