Overactive bladder – Urge urinary incontinence

Condition

This condition is characterized by urinary urgency, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia. UUI may or may not be present, and these symptoms occur in the absence of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other discernible pathology. Overactive bladder syndrome isn't just a passing issue - it's a chronic condition that can have profound impacts on an individual's quality of life. The overall prevalence of symptoms associated with an overactive bladder is approximately 15% in women of all ages, but this prevalence escalates significantly with age.

Treatment

Managing this condition requires a holistic approach. Lifestyle modifications and bladder retraining form the foundation of the management plan, accompanied by pharmacotherapy as needed. However, in cases where these methods prove insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can involve the injection of BOTOX into the bladder muscle, a procedure that has shown excellent results in reducing the severity of symptoms. In the realm of managing overactive bladder syndrome and UUI, we're not just treating physical symptoms - we're helping individuals regain control of their lives, improving their comfort and quality of life.

F.A.Q.s

What causes urge incontinence?

Sometimes the bladder muscles contract too often, creating an urgent need to go to the toilet. This is known as having an overactive bladder. The reason your detrusor muscles contract too often may not be clear, but possible causes include:

Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine.
Not drinking enough fluids
Constipation
Bladder infections and tumours
Neurological conditions
Medications

Can urge incontinence be psychological?

There are cases in which urge incontinence is related to traumatic events. In such cases behavioural and psychotherapeutic options may be helpful.

Almost inevitably every form of incontinence has psychological consequences: shame and insecurity are often results of uncontrolled loss of urine.

Can anxiety cause urge incontinence?

Anxiety can be a contributing factor to incontinence in some cases. When someone experiences anxiety or stress, their body’s “fight or flight” response is activated, which can cause the muscles in the body to tense up.

In some cases, this can include the muscles that control the bladder and bowel.

What is the fear of urge incontinence?

Bladder incontinence anxiety (also known as bladder obsession, urinary obsession, and bladder control anxieties) refers to psychological conditions that involve overwhelming fear of incontinence in public situations.

What worsens urge incontinence and overactive bladder?

Being dehydrated leads to dark, concentrated urine which can irritate the walls of the bladder, causing them to contract more often, and leak more urine.

Is urge incontinence and overactive bladder serious?

Urge incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more severe condition such as a neurological disorder or diabetes,therefore a careful evaluation is necessary.

How can I make my overactive bladder problems less bothersome?

Do daily pelvic floor exercises. Pelvic floor exercises can be effective at reducing leaks, but it’s important to do them properly. The help of a physiotherapist can be very helpful
Bladder retraining.
Stop smoking.
Do the right exercises.
Avoid lifting.
Lose excess weight.
Treat constipation promptly.
Cut down on caffeine and alcohol
Drink plenty of water
Eat the right foods.Avoid spicy and acidic foods, such as curries and citrus fruits, as they can irritate the bladder and make leaks and other incontinence symptoms worse.

Does urge incontinence go away?

Unfortunately, urinary incontinence isn’t likely to go away on its own unless the underlying disorder is reversible.

The good news, however, is that there are things that you can do on your own to improve it, and there are plenty of options for treating it.

How are urge incontinence and overactive bladder diagnosed?

The diagnosis is based on history and physical examination Occasionally and based on the patient’s symptoms a cystoscopy is necessary.This involves using a thin tube with a camera attached to it (endoscope) to look inside your bladder and urinary tract. A cystoscopy can identify abnormalities that may be causing incontinence.

What happens if urge incontinence and overactive bladder are left untreated?

This can lead to isolation and depression. Incontinence, when left untreated and inadequately managed, can lead to rashes and other skin disorders.

What is the first line treatment for urge incontinence and overactive bladder?

First-line treatment includes lifestyle modifications and possibly some medications that relax the bladder muscle. You should thoroughly discuss those options with your doctor.

What is the second line treatment for urge incontinence?

Together with your doctor you can decide which approach is best for you.The commonest second-line treatment option is Botulinum toxin (BOTOX) bladder injection. Nerve stimulation, also known as neuromodulation, is also an option when it is available.

Is bladder BOTOX injection a risky procedure?

No, it is considered a minor procedure that can even be done in the office.Also during this procedure BOTOX is not absorbed by your body but rather stays locally to the bladder muscle.

How painful is Botox in the bladder?

The injections are done under sedation or if the patient wishes under local anaesthesia. They do not “hurt” as you may expect, but you may have some short-term discomfort. Many patients have compared it to a period cramp. The good news is that most people get symptom relief quickly, in as short as a few days.

How long do I need to stay in the hospital for a bladder BOTOX injection?

No, shortly after the procedure , the patient can go home.

Is BOTOX a permanent solution?

No.This unfortunately is the only downside of this therapy. The effect of Botox in the bladder is not permanent. In most patients the effects last 6–12 months (about 7.5 months on average). When the effects wear off, repeat injection is necessary to maintain the clinical effect.

How effective is BOTOX injection to the bladder?

Botox is a highly effective treatment for an overactive bladder. It works for over than 75% of women who have the treatment .