How to Manage Overactive Bladder: Symptoms, Cures and Natural Treatments

Introduction

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common urinary condition affecting millions worldwide, impacting their daily activities. The urgency to urinate and, sometimes, involuntary leakage can disrupt daily routines and limit social and professional activities. Many individuals with overactive bladder start limiting or avoiding social or professional activities because of the fear of any accidental mishap. 

Let’s explore what an overactive bladder is, its symptoms and causes, and various overactive bladder treatments, including natural remedies. By understanding this condition better, those affected can take proactive measures to manage their symptoms in a better way and improve their overall well-being.

What is an Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a collection of urinary symptoms, the most prominent being a sudden, uncontrollable urge to pass urine even when the bladder is not full. One may find this urge difficult to suppress, and it can sometimes lead to involuntary leakage of urine. OAB is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms that various underlying conditions or factors can cause.

What are the Symptoms of an Overactive Bladder?

The primary symptoms of an overactive bladder include:

• Urgency: A sudden, intense urge to pass urine or micturate that is difficult to control.
• Frequency: Urinating more often than usual, typically more than eight times in 24 hours.
• Nocturia: Waking up two or more times during the night to urinate.
• Urge Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine. It is often accompanied or immediately followed by an urgent need to urinate.

It’s important to remember that not everyone with OAB experiences all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary from person to person.

What are the Causes of an Overactive Bladder?

In normal circumstances, when the bladder is full of urine waste, your brain will signal the bladder, and the muscles will squeeze to urinate. But in cases of overactive bladder, the muscles will tighten on their own even when there is very little urine in the bladder, leading to urgency. Various factors can contribute to overactive bladder, including:

• Neurological Disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke can affect nerve signals between the brain and bladder, resulting in an overactive bladder.
• Enlarged Prostate: Overactive bladder in men may be due to an enlarged prostate, which can obstruct urine flow.
• Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles: Often a result of pregnancy, childbirth, or ageing.
• Urinary Tract Infections: UTIs can irritate the bladder and cause OAB-like symptoms.
• Hormonal Changes: Overactive bladder in women during menopause
• Certain Medications: Some drugs can increase urine production or affect bladder function.
• Excessive Consumption of Caffeine or Alcohol: These can irritate the bladder and increase urine production.

What are the Reasons for an Overactive Bladder?

While the causes mentioned above are medical or physiological reasons for overactive bladder, there are also environmental and lifestyle factors that can contribute to or exacerbate symptoms:

• Obesity: Excess weight can put undue pressure on the bladder.
• Constipation: This can affect bladder function due to shared nerve pathways.
• High-impact Activities: Certain exercises or activities can stress the pelvic floor muscles.
• Dietary Irritants: Spicy foods, acidic fruits, and artificial sweeteners can irritate the bladder in some people.
• Fluid Intake Patterns: Consuming large amounts of fluids, especially before bedtime, can worsen symptoms.

What are the Treatments for Managing an Overactive Bladder?

Many people with overactive bladder do not seek help due to embarrassment, fear of stigma, or the belief that their symptoms are a normal part of ageing. However, the truth is many treatments can help. Overactive bladder treatments typically involve a combination of approaches:

Behavioural Techniques:

• Bladder Training: Gradually increase the intervals between passing urine.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercise): Strengthen the muscles that control urination.
• Double Voiding: Urinating two times in quick succession to ensure the bladder is empty.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing fluid intake, especially before bedtime

Medications:

• Anticholinergics: Help relax the bladder muscle.
• Beta-3 Agonists: Improve bladder capacity and reduce frequency and urgency.
• Botox Injection: Can help paralyse the bladder muscle in severe cases.

Advanced Therapies:

• Sacral Neuromodulation: Implanting a device to modulate nerve signals to the bladder.
• Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation: This non-surgical option stimulates nerves in the lower leg.

Surgery:

• In rare cases, doctors may suggest surgery to increase bladder capacity or correct an underlying problem.

How can Natural Treatments Help Manage an Overactive Bladder?

Many people prefer to start with overactive bladder natural treatments before turning to medications or more invasive options. Some natural approaches to managing OAB include:

Dietary Changes:

• Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
• Increasing fibre intake to prevent constipation.
• Staying hydrated but managing fluid intake timing.

Herbal Remedies:

• Pumpkin Seed Extract: This may help strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
• Gosha-jinki-gan: A traditional Japanese herbal blend that may improve OAB symptoms.
• Corn Silk: This has been used traditionally for urinary issues.

• Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture may help reduce OAB symptoms.
• Biofeedback: This technique can help you gain better control over your pelvic floor muscles.
• Stress Reduction Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, practising hobbies, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress, which may exacerbate OAB symptoms. Some people find relief using essential oils like peppermint or lavender for relaxation and stress reduction.

It’s essential to consult your kidney and bladder doctor before starting any natural home remedies, as some herbs or supplements may interact with ongoing medications or have side effects, says Dr. Mahesh Babu.

Conclusion

Overactive bladder can significantly impact quality of life, but with proper management and treatment, many people find relief from their symptoms. A combination of lifestyle changes, behavioural techniques, and medical treatments often provides the best results. Several options are available for those preferring natural approaches, though their effectiveness may vary from person to person. Working closely with a doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment programme customised to your needs and circumstances is essential.

FAQ’s

Why does an overactive bladder often get worse at night? 

Overactive bladder symptoms often worsen at night due to several factors:

• The body’s natural circadian rhythm can affect urine production and bladder function.
• Lying down can shift fluid in the body, increasing urine production.
• Some people may drink more fluids in the evening, leading to nighttime urgency.
• As we age, the body produces less of the hormone that regulates urine production at night.

Will I need treatment for an overactive bladder for the rest of my life? 

The need for ongoing treatment varies from person to person. Some individuals may find that their symptoms improve with lifestyle changes and short-term treatments. Others may require long-term management. Regular follow-ups with your doctor can help adjust your treatment plan as needed. In some cases, particularly if OAB is related to a temporary issue like a urinary tract infection, symptoms may resolve completely with proper treatment. However, for many people, managing OAB is an ongoing process that involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions as needed.