Over Active Bladder / Incontinence
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a sudden, difficult-to-control urge to urinate, often accompanied by frequent urination and waking during the night to urinate. In some cases, the urgency can result in urge incontinence, which occurs when urine leaks before a person is able to reach the bathroom. OAB can develop when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, even when the bladder is not completely full. Contributing factors may include aging, urinary tract conditions, neurological disorders, certain medications, bladder irritation, and other underlying health conditions.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and can occur in several forms. Stress incontinence involves leakage when pressure is placed on the bladder through activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercising, while urge incontinence is associated with a sudden and strong need to urinate. Some individuals experience mixed incontinence, which combines features of both.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle and dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, medications, or other medical therapies. Persistent or worsening urinary leakage should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.Treatments include: