Overactive bladder is a common urological condition that affects about 33 million people in America.  Interestingly, this is a large problem for men that often goes untreated.  According to statistics there are about 30% of men currently living with overactive bladder in the US but it is likely that there are many more men are living with the disorder than are reported.  As mentioned, this is because many men don’t seek help for this problem, let alone any medical condition.

Living with an overactive bladder can interfere with your daily routine by interfering with any and all of the following daily activities:

·       Work

·       Sleep

·       Exercise

·       Relationships

·       Social life

What are the symptoms of an overactive bladder?

Ø  Accidental leaking: Even just a few drops is an indication that you may have an overactive bladder.

Ø  Frequent urination: Urinating more than 8 times a day.

Ø  Nocturia: Waking up more than two times a night to urinate. More common with age, although it should not affect your sleep habits as it does with an overactive bladder.

Ø  Sudden urge to urinate: Even if you’ve have little or nothing to drink for hours, if you’ve already emptied your bladder, and regardless of the time of day.  Intense urgency may even cause you to leak on the way to the bathroom.

Ø  Disrupted lifestyle: If you’re making changes to your lifestyle to accommodate for your bladder problems, you should seek help. Living with overactive bladder can cause emotional distress, embarrassment, social isolation, and even depression.

What are the treatment options available for an overactive bladder?

                  Treatment options range from behavioral interventions to surgery to oral medications.  Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways overactive bladder is treated and hopefully resolved:

1. Behavioral interventions:

·       Pelvic floor muscle exercises

·       Lose weight

·       Limit fluid consumption

·       Double voiding

·       Scheduled bathroom trips

·       Intermittent catheterization

·       Absorbent pads

·       Bladder training

2. Medications

3. Bladder injections

3. Nerve stimulation

4. Surgery

There are also a number of ways you can try to lessen the severity and symptoms of overactive bladder in conjunction to a doctor’s care for the issue.   For one, you can limit your alcohol and caffeine intake – both of which are diuretics. Similarly, you can avoid drinking anything right before going to sleep to avoid getting up during the night.  If you are overweight, lose weight can help alleviate the pressure you are putting on your bladder.