Urgent Need To Urinate: Overactive Bladder In 5 Questions

If you frequently feel a sudden urge to urinate during the day and night, you are likely suffering from overactive bladder syndrome. We invite you to learn about the causes of this issue and possible solutions in 5 questions.

What is overactive bladder syndrome?

The overactive bladder syndrome, which should not be confused with urinary incontinence, refers to a reduced control of the bladder in the absence of other pathologies such as a urinary tract infection.

This problem, common in both men and women, is characterized by a sudden urge to urinate during the day and night. However, unlike urinary incontinence, it does not involve involuntary urine loss.

What are the symptoms of an overactive bladder?

An overactive or irritable bladder is when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, even when it isn't fully full. Specifically, this issue leads to sudden and uncomfortable urges to urinate.

This common disorder can affect quality of life and sleep since there is a need to urinate more than 8 times in 24 hours and twice or more during the night.

Overactive bladder is also characterized by frequent urination of small amounts and, sometimes, by accidental urine leakage, also known as urge urinary incontinence.

What are the causes of an overactive bladder?

Various risk factors contribute to overactive bladder. These can include:
- Physiological aging of the bladder as one gets older.
- Excessive consumption of fluids, especially coffee and alcohol.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Side effects of certain medications.
- Pregnancy and menopause in women.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Urinary tract infections since cystitis can weaken the bladder.
- Prostate enlargement in men after the age of 50.
- The presence of bladder stones.
- Certain neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

4- How to retrain an overactive bladder?

Before considering medication, overactive bladder can be treated with natural remedies by changing one's lifestyle.

To retrain an overactive bladder and alleviate bothersome symptoms, it is recommended to:
• Drink enough but in small amounts each time, so as not to overload the bladder.
• Reduce fluid intake after 6 p.m. if the urge to urinate is particularly bothersome at night.
• Limit consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and citrus juices, which tend to irritate the bladder.
• Keep a urination diary and establish a schedule for going to the bathroom.
• Do bladder retraining by practicing Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and perineum.
• Lose weight if overweight or obese.
• Quit smoking as tobacco is a risk factor for bladder cancer.

What medications can treat an overactive bladder?

Medications used to treat overactive bladder belong to the class of antimuscarinic agents. They prevent the bladder muscles from contracting prematurely, allowing the bladder to fill completely and reducing the frequency of the urge to urinate.

The effects of this treatment can appear after a few days or weeks of use. Therefore, patience is required.

If these medications are ineffective or cause adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness, other treatments may be considered.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and botulinum toxin injections into the bladder are other effective solutions to reduce contractions of this organ and alleviate the bothersome symptoms of overactive bladder.