Overactive bladder is characterized by a person experiencing frequent urges to urinate, which can compel them to wake up multiple times at night to empty their bladder. It also weakens the nerves and muscles, but the below-mentioned treatment options for an overactive bladder can help reduce the severity of the symptoms. A combination of more than one therapy is the most suitable treatment option to cope with the symptoms of overactive bladder:
- Behavioral therapy: Experimental psychology is often the first option in helping manage an overactive bladder. This treatment option has been found to be very effective in some cases and has no side effects. These include exercising a set of muscles in the pelvic area to help strengthen them. A medical practitioner or a physiotherapist can help and guide patients on which exercises to do and how they should be done. Performing these exercises, which include kegel exercises, regularly can boost bladder health.
- Biofeedback: This is one of the most effective treatment options for an overactive bladder. In this procedure, an electric sensor is fitted in the patient’s body to help them control the urge to urinate through certain changes in the body.
- Setting a toilet schedule: Planning a urinary schedule can also help patients. One can make a schedule to urinate, for example, after every 4 hours, irrespective of whether they experience an urge.
- Fixing a catheter in the body: A catheter can be fitted in the body through a surgical process. This catheter helps patients empty their bladder, and a physician can help and guide patients with further information about this procedure.
- Absorbent pads: Absorbent pads of various sizes are available in the market to help absorb the urine from the uncontrolled urination and prevent embarrassing situations.
- A bladder control program: This enables patients to have better control over the flow of urine through various methods like prompted voiding, bladder drill, and patterned urge response toileting. This treatment method is also called bladder training.
- Bladder injections: Certain types of injections available in the market are made of protein and can help relax the pelvic muscles. The dosage can be repeated after fixed intervals for effective results, but they can also cause side effects like urinary tract infections.
- Nerve stimulation: This can regulate the nerves to manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
- Medications: Over-the-counter medicines can treat overactive bladder but can also lead to several side-effects. So, one should only take these medications after consulting a doctor.
- Surgery: A surgical procedure that can increase bladder capacity may be recommended for patients when other treatment options do not provide satisfactory results.
These are the common treatment options for an overactive bladder. Patients can discuss the various treatment procedures with their doctor and opt for a suitable method.