Remedies For An Overactive Bladder
Getting the signal to go to the bathroom more frequently and urgently than normal can be a symptom of overactive bladder (OAB), often leading to incontinence, or involuntary urine leakage. In a healthy bladder, signals to the brain occur when it is almost full, but a bathroom trip isn't necessary right away. The bladder muscles stay relaxed when it’s empty, and it fully empties during urination.
For those struggling with OAB, treatment options have improved significantly. One such treatment is vibegron, marketed under the brand name Gemtesa. Vibegron is a beta-3 adrenergic agonist that works by relaxing the bladder muscles, allowing the bladder to store more urine, reducing the urgency and frequency of trips to the bathroom. Gemtesa is specifically designed for OAB management and is known for having fewer side effects compared to other treatments, like anticholinergic drugs, which often cause dry mouth and constipation.
Incorporating medications like vibegron (Gemtesa) into your treatment plan can help restore control over your bladder, improve quality of life, and reduce instances of incontinence.
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Overactive Bladder: Treatment and Symptoms
An overactive bladder, on the other hand, has an issue doing any of these healthy behaviors. It causes the nerve signals between your bladder and brain not to function appropriately, creating the constant urge to run to the bathroom. An overactive bladder may also be due to the overexertion of the pelvic muscles. This can happen when the bladder tries to pass urine even when it isn't filled, creating multiple unwanted bathroom trips. People living with this condition find it difficult to travel too far from bathrooms and may feel sad or alone, especially if dealing with it in secrecy. Lack of sleep is also a culprit due to the spontaneous times to urinate, leaving one making frequent nighttime visits to the bathroom.
The symptoms of this condition may vary from person to person, and may include:
- Uncontrollable urges to urinate.
- Frequent leakage of urine.
- Urinating more than eight times in a 24-hr period.
- Bed-wetting or needing to urinate multiple times in a night.
This condition may affect more women than men and becomes more prevalent in older age. However, anyone at any age can develop this common condition.
Other risk factors include:
- Having an autoimmune disorder such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's.
- Diabetes.
- Catheter use.
- Nerve damage.
- Stretched or weakened pelvic area.
- Giving birth.
- Weakened pelvic area.
- In rare cases Bladder stones.
- Other Risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol usage
- Caffeinated drinks and chocolate
- Extra salty or acidic foods
- Pregnancy
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Chronic dehydration
Long term constipation or chronic coughing can become an issue due to the continuous pushing down of the pelvis muscles.
Understanding the risk factors and symptoms is essential in treating this condition quickly and efficiently. Dealing with these symptoms alone is not a healthy way of living and should not be seen as a frivolous bystander of aging. Any issue that overcomes one's quality of life is imperative, and treatments need to be set in place.
These treatments may include:
- Medication prescribed for relieving symptoms and reducing the urge to urinate.
- Injections: Having injections to subside the active pelvis muscles temporarily; however, the downside is biannual injections and repeated doctor visits.
- Nerve Stimulation: Irritated nerve impulses urges the body to urinate even when it is not needed. By inserting a small electrode in the abdomen area under the skin, the electrode pulses help to regulate the signals that tell someone when they need to use the bathroom.
- Surgery: Surgery is not recommended until all other treatments have failed.
Natural Alternatives include:
- Acupuncture
- Keeping a journal to track bathroom usage.
- Kegels, which are pelvic floor exercises, to help strengthen in and around the pelvic floor.
- Limiting drinks before bed.
- Get moving: Exercise and weight management can help alleviate extra pounds pressing on the pelvic area, which may lead to a stretched and weakened pelvis.
- Eating a healthy diet: Diets filled with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, fiber, and plenty of water all help to lead a healthier lifestyle.
- Foods to avoid are: Caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, citrus drinks, tomato juices and sauces, and spicy foods should all be avoided due to their high acidity content.
- When getting diagnosed, a physical exam, a urine sample, and the patient's medical history will be evaluated.
Other tests may include:
- Bladder Scan: An ultrasound of the pelvic area that shows how much urine the bladder is holding after urination.
- Urodynamic: A variety of tests that evaluate the way the bladder holds and stores urine.
- Cystoscopy: A test that, when conducted, requires sedation and uses a light scope that is inserted into the bladder checking for abnormalities, including bladder stones.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of this condition is imperative to getting the necessary treatment for optimum health. Talk to your primary care doctors for any questions and concerns.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
