Overactive Bladder (OAB)

What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

It is the condition of frequent urination, day and night, accompanied by urinary incontinence or only sudden urinary urgency.

For the diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB),additional diseases such as diabetes, urinary tract infection and stones that may cause these complaints should not be present. As age increases, its incidence elevates due to increased urine production at night and decreased bladder capacity.

The Importance of Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Overactive bladder (OAB) is seen more frequently in women than in men, and complaints begin at an earlier age. Its incidence in the population is approximately 17%.

The negative effects of frequent urination and even the fear of incontinence in the community cause low quality of life. The need for daytime sleep, which occurs as a result of frequent urination, especially at night, causes distraction and stressful mood. 

Overactive Bladder (OAB) Diagnosis

At the beginning of the diagnosis, after a verbal pre-assessment (anamnesis) to be made by the physician and a detailed physical examination afterwards, it should be investigated or excluded whether there are other possible diseases that may cause similar complaints.

Information about the condition and severity of the disease will be collected for use in the treatment process, with diagnostic evaluation tools such as voiding diary, inquiry forms for complaints, full urine analysis, urine culture, uroflowmetry, urodynamics, ultrasonography and cystoscopy. 

Overactive Bladder (OAB) Treatment

Behavioral Therapies

• Regulation of fluid intake,
• Restricting fluid intake before important social planning, travel, and sleep,
• Restriction of foods and drinks that increase urine output or irritate the bladder. (tea, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, spicy foods etc.),
• Weight loss planning,
• Exercises for the pelvic floor muscles.

Drug Treatments

Muscarinic receptor antagonists: These are drugs that reduce and suppress bladder contractions and are the most commonly used drugs in treatment. The main ones are; oxybutynin, darifenacin, fesoterodine, propiverine, solifenacin, tolterodine, trospiumchloride

Beta-3 agonists (mirabegron): They are new generation drugs compared to other drugs and have a lower side-effect profile

Advanced Treatment Methods: Intra-bladder botox application and Nerve stimulation techniques (Neuromodulation)

Increasing bladder capacity with surgical techniques (Augmentation Cystoplasty)

Note: Page contents are for informational purposes only and a doctor's application is required for your diagnosis and treatment.