Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition affecting many people as they get older. Symptoms of OAB include an abrupt uncontrollable urge to urinate frequently. When not managed, OAB can have a serious impact on one’s quality of life. If you are suffering from this condition, there is no need to feel ashamed about consulting a urogynae in Singapore (https://drngkailyn.com/conditions/overactive-bladder/) as this is very common, particularly among women.
Getting the right facts about OAB
There are many misconceptions surrounding overactive bladder. Hence, it is important that the truth is fleshed out from the hearsays about this condition in order to spread proper information and help people with this condition get the right support that they need.
Let us debunk some myths concerning OAB.
Myth #1: Only older adults are affected by overactive bladder
Truth: While it is a fact that OAB is prevalent among the elderly, this condition does not only affect them. Overactive bladder can happen at any stage in one’s life. Among younger individuals, this condition usually develops due to various factors such as bladder infections, lifestyle, medications, neurological conditions, and in women, pregnancy.
Myth #2: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) always causes overactive bladder
Truth: Overactive bladder and urinary tract infections (UTI) may have similar symptoms, but it is imperative to know that these two conditions are not the same. OAB’s symptoms include a sudden urge to urinate frequently, but it is not accompanied by any pain or infection. UTI, on the other hand, causes a burning sensation or sharp pain whenever one urinates. It is also characterised by discomfort in the lower abdomen and cloudy urine that is foul-smelling.
Myth 3: Overactive bladder is a common occurrence in every one as we age
Truth: Ageing is indeed one of the causes of overactive bladder, but experiencing its symptoms on a regular basis is not considered as a natural occurrence as we age. OAB is a condition that can be avoided and managed through the right diagnosis and treatment. When symptoms happen especially in older adults, OAB should not be accepted as a normal part of the ageing process. There are many interventions available that can be done to treat OAB and not let it affect an individual’s quality of life.
Myth 4: Surgery is the best treatment for overactive bladder
Truth: Surgery is the last option for OAB and is only considered when all possible non-invasive treatments have been exhausted and proven to be ineffective for an individual. Many people have successfully managed OAB symptoms without having to undergo surgery, which also comes with health risks and side effects.
Myth 5: Medications prescribed for OAB can cause serious side effects
Truth: Some OAB drugs can cause side effects, but there are now new medications that can treat this condition with minimal side effects. Examples of recently developed drugs that can manage OAB are darifenacin and solifenacin. These have lesser side effects as compared to anticholinergic medicines, which can cause blurred vision, constipation, and dry mouth. Another option are beta-3 agonists, which can also effectively treat OAB minus the anticholinergic side effects. As with any type of drug, each medication has its pros and cons, so it is best to have a discussion with your doctor about the potential side effects when including them in your treatment plan.
Myth 6: Lesser intake of fluids will help keep the bladder under control
Truth: Lesser fluid intake means fewer trips to the loo, right? While that sounds logical, drinking lesser liquids can prove to be a disadvantage for those diagnosed with overactive bladder. Not being able to reach the recommended daily amount of water intake per day can lead to dehydration, which can then lead to bladder irritation. Once the bladder is irritated, expect to experience the urge to urinate frequently. Hence, do not cut down on your water intake, but do away with consuming other beverages as well as eating food that can contribute to OAB symptoms. This includes alcohol, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and spicy food.
Myth 7: Doing Kegel exercises regularly is enough to cure OAB
Truth: Kegel exercises are effective to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This is particularly recommended for those who are diagnosed with urinary incontinence. Unfortunately, this approach is not beneficial for individuals with OAB. While Kegel exercise may be included in some treatment plans for overactive bladder, solely doing this to manage the condition without any other intervention cannot do anything to improve the bladder’s muscle function, which is the main cause of OAB.
Myth 8: Overactive bladder is purely psychological
Truth: Overactive bladder can be triggered by psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress, but this condition is more physical than it is psychological. OAB is caused by a disorder in the bladder’s ability to function properly due to muscle control or nerve signaling problems. If your OAB is often triggered by anxiety or stress, there are ways to navigate this to minimize your urge to urinate frequently. Talk to your healthcare provider about including psychological interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in your treatment plan.
Managing Overactive Bladder
Aside from medications and surgery as a last resort, many new treatments have been developed to manage OAB. Here are some examples:
- Behavioural Therapies: Various techniques can be done to control OAB, such as biofeedback and bladder training. Biofeedback involves the use of sensors to give feedback on the activity of the bladder and pelvic floor, which helps patients understand and learn how to manage their bladder better. Bladder training is done by allowing the bladder to get used to holding urine for longer periods of time by gradually increasing the intervals between trips to the toilet.
- Botox Injections: An injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) is made to the wall of the bladder to block nerve signals from the brain to reach the bladder muscle and cause it to contract. This is usually recommended for patients who have shown no progress with other OAB treatments. Botox injections need to be administered on a regular basis as the effects of the treatment only lasts for a few months.
- Sacral Neuromodulation (SNS): This treatment is done by implanting a tiny device that regulates electrical impulses sent to the sacral nerves to control and optimise the function of the bladder as well as to minimise the symptoms of OAB.
Conclusion
Having an overactive bladder can have a negative impact on your day-to-day life. However, this can be overcome by applying different treatments to help improve your symptoms. To know more about the treatments for OAB available in Singapore, reach out to Aster Gynaecology.
Aster Gynaecology – Dr Ng Kai Lyn
38 Irrawaddy Rd,
#066-58 Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
Singapore
Phone: 6635 2100