Overactive Bladder: Symptoms and Treatment
An overactive bladder (OAB) can affect women of any age, who may find themselves with the uncomfortable need to urinate frequently including in the middle of the night.
Women who experience the symptoms of an overactive bladder often find themselves troubled by this challenging situation, which can not only affect their self-confidence, but also their circadian rhythm due to having to wake up to urinate once or more times during the night. The condition of an overactive bladder is known to affect up to 40 percent of women and it is characterized by a sudden urge that in some cases can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness.
Effective treatment for an overactive bladder starts by acknowledging you have a problem and that it will not go away on its own. In fact, OAB can produce adverse psychological effects as you may not feel that you are in control of your body, causing you to withdraw from family events, an active social life, and even keep you from going on vacations to places away from the convenience of a restroom.
Among the most common symptoms of an overactive bladder include:
- Constantly getting the “urge to go,” even soon after having urinated
- Waking up in a rush to go to the bathroom when you are deep asleep
- Becoming overly concerned about a sudden urge to urinate
A full bladder often triggers a reaction in your brain that tells you it is “time to go.” However, in a woman with an overactive bladder the brain may trigger a false urge, even with an empty bladder. The contractions of the bladder muscles can literally play with your mind, which is what triggers the uncomfortable feeling of wanting to urinate often. Quite often there can be a variety of symptoms that exacerbate an overactive bladder, including stress, weakened pelvic muscles, and in some cases nerve damage because of an accident or trauma.
Understanding that an overactive bladder can become not just a nuisance but a mentally crippling condition, UroGyn Specialists of Florida is ready to help with a variety of treatments.
Dr. Christopher Walker has been treating OAB patients for more than two decades and has extensive experience to help you regain control of your bladder—and your life. Our medical staff will screen you for both common and uncommon triggers of an overactive bladder, helping us determine the best course of action to bring you the relief you deserve.
Contact UroGyn Specialists of Florida and schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Walker and let us help you treat your overactive bladder so you can go back to enjoying life and sleeping soundly through the night.