Do you find yourself rushing to the bathroom too often? Are frequent bathroom trips affecting your work, sleep, or confidence in social situations? You might be dealing with Overactive Bladder (OAB) – a common yet often overlooked condition that affects both men and women.
As a leading Urologist and Bladder Health Specialist in Baner, Pune, Dr. S.K. Palash provides comprehensive care and advanced treatment options to help you manage OAB effectively and discreetly.
What is Overactive Bladder?
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition where the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, even when the bladder isn’t full. This leads to frequent, sudden, and sometimes uncontrollable urges to urinate. In some cases, this urgency may result in urinary leakage (also known as urgency incontinence).
OAB is not just a "normal part of aging" — it’s a medical condition that can be treated.
Common Symptoms of OAB
If you’re experiencing the following, it could be a sign of OAB:
Urgency – A sudden, strong urge to urinate that is hard to delay.
Frequency – Needing to urinate more than 8 times in 24 hours.
Nocturia – Waking up more than once at night to urinate.
Urgency Incontinence – Involuntary leakage of urine along with a strong urge.
These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily routines, sleep, and emotional well-being.
What Causes Overactive Bladder?
There are many possible causes of OAB, including:
Idiopathic OAB – Most cases have no clear cause.
Neurological conditions – Such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or spinal cord injury.
Bladder outlet obstruction – Due to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urethral stricture.
Aging and diabetes
Previous pelvic surgeries or radiation
Lifestyle factors – Excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, or fluids.
Certain medications that affect bladder control
How is OAB Diagnosed?
Dr. S.K. Palash uses a step-by-step, evidence-based approach to diagnose OAB:
Detailed medical history and bladder diary
Urine tests to rule out infection
Bladder ultrasound to check for post-void residual urine
Uroflowmetry and urodynamic studies (if needed) to assess bladder function
This comprehensive evaluation helps in ruling out other conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), which may present with similar symptoms.
Is OAB the Same as a UTI?
No. While both can cause frequent urination and urgency, UTIs usually include symptoms like burning during urination and fever. OAB is not caused by infection, and urine tests typically appear normal in OAB patients.
Effective Treatment Options for OAB
The good news is that OAB can be managed very well with a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and advanced therapies.
Lifestyle Changes
Timed voiding (urinating at fixed intervals)
Managing fluid intake
Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
Bladder Training & Exercises
Gradually increasing time between bathroom visits
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to strengthen bladder control
Medications
Anticholinergics (e.g., Tolterodine, Oxybutynin)
Beta-3 agonists (e.g., Mirabegron) to relax bladder muscles
Advanced Therapies (for resistant cases)
Botox injections into the bladder wall to reduce involuntary contractions
Neuromodulation therapies, such as tibial nerve stimulation or sacral nerve implants
Dr. Palash customizes the treatment based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle needs.
Is Overactive Bladder Curable?
While OAB may not be permanently “cured” in all cases, most patients experience significant relief and regain bladder control with the right treatment approach.
Do Men Get OAB?
Yes, men can also suffer from OAB, especially those with prostate issues or after prostate surgery. It is often misdiagnosed or ignored in men, but proper evaluation can help manage symptoms effectively.
When Should You See a Urologist?
Consult Dr. S.K. Palash if you are:
Experiencing frequent or urgent urination
Waking up often at night to urinate
Worried about leakage in public or during activities
Facing embarrassment or lifestyle restrictions due to bladder issues
Don’t Ignore the Signs — Get Help Today
Overactive Bladder is not a normal part of aging and should not be suffered in silence. With timely diagnosis and treatment, you can regain control over your bladder and your life.
Take the First Step Toward Better Bladder Health
Book a consultation with Dr. S.K. Palash – Consultant Urologist & Andrologist in Baner, Pune today.
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. The information is provided solely for educational purpose and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.
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