Overactive Bladder in women: Symptoms, treatments and how to take control, according to urologist

OAB can disrupt sleep, confidence, intimacy and daily life. Affecting millions of women, OAB can be effectively treated when diagnosed early.(Image: Pexels)

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a prevalent but frequently underreported disorder affecting women of all ages. - People with OAB experience sudden, strong urges to urinate and often lose urine during those moments or even at night. Women living with OAB may need to schedule their days around available bathrooms and face the embarrassment of accidents, as well as sleep loss from multiple nighttime trips.

And although OAB is most common in seniors—it’s particularly prevalent amongst those over age 65—the disorder can develop early for example Women may have it by the time they are 45. It does not resolve on its own, and left untreated symptoms may worsen over time. Weakness of the muscles surrounding the bladder, atrophy in pelvic tissues and decreased bladder size may also occur.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sarika Pandya, Consultant Female Urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology Hyderabad, told Moneycontrol, that many women feel embarrassed to discuss their urinary symptoms thinking it is a natural part of aging. But overactive bladder is a serious medical condition that can and should be treated. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, women can reclaim their lives.

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Here’s what you should know about OAB symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

Common Symptoms of OAB

• Frequent urination: Having to go to the bathroom much more frequently than usual.

• Frequency: An overwhelming urge to urinate.

• Urge incontinence: leakage following the urge sensation.

• Nocturia: Waking up more than one time a night to urinate.

OAB “is not just a bladder problem — it affects people’s lives,” not only their emotions and nightly rest, but also “their confidence on a day-to-day basis.” Embarrassment, anxiety and even social avoidance are common among women. If untreated, OAB can progress, resulting in deterioration of the bladder muscles and pelvic floor tissues.

Diagnosis and Tests

If you go to the doctor, your examination will likely include

• Medical history and symptom review.

• A neurological exam to evaluate reflex or nerve problems.

• Based on the patient’s history and physical examination, including the pelvic exam, what is the most likely diagnosis?
• Urine screen to detect infections or blood.

• Ultrasound examination of kidneys, bladder and residual urine volume.

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• Lifestyle & Behavioural Therapies

• Bladder train: Gradually space out trips.

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Tone your muscles to control better.

• Diet Changes: Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and citrus.

• Keep the extremities close to your body and, if you are overweight, lose weight (extra pounds increase pressure on the bladder).

• Control Constipation: Takes the strain off the bladder.

• Scheduled Toileting (timed voiding): Regular trips to the bathroom to help a person with the problem relearn bladder habits.

FAQs about Overactive Bladder (OAB): 

What are the common symptoms of OAB?

The common symptoms of OAB include frequent urination, an overwhelming urge to urinate, leakage following the urge sensation, and waking up more than once a night to urinate (nocturia).

Who is most likely to be affected by OAB?

OAB is most common in seniors, particularly those over age 65, but the disorder can develop early, with women experiencing it by the time they are 45.

How is OAB diagnosed?

OAB is diagnosed through medical history and symptom review, neurological exams to evaluate reflex or nerve problems, pelvic exams, urine screens to detect infections or blood, and ultrasound examinations of kidneys, bladder, and residual urine volume.

What are the treatment options for OAB?

Treatment options for OAB include lifestyle and behavioural therapies such as bladder training, pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), diet changes, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling constipation, and scheduled toileting (timed voiding).

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.