What Causes Overactive Bladder?
Overactive bladder is a common condition that affects a large population. This condition causes a sudden urge to urinate, and it is uncontrolled. Some people with overactive bladder in Wildwood will often find themselves leaking urine when the urge is strong. Although this is not a disease, it can lead to poor life quality and stress. According to statistics, 30% and 40% of men and women live with this condition in the US. The main problem is that most people experiencing this issue are afraid of talking about it or seeking help. Here are some of the main causes of OAB.
Several things lead to the development of this condition, and in some instances, it can happen as a result of a combination of causes.
Caffeine, alcohol, and medication
All this tends to dull the nerves and therefore affect the process of sending a signal to the brain. In return, your bladder will overflow. Using alcohol and caffeine also causes your bladder to fill rapidly, hence increasing the need to keep urinating. Additionally, some medicines affect the signal nerves and delay communication with the brain, resulting in leaking.
Excess weight
Apart from developing other medical conditions, being overweight can also place extra pressure on your bladder. The extra pressure can lead to incontinence.
Infection
If you get a urinary tract infection (UTI), you are at a higher risk of OAB. UTI irritates the bladder nerves and causes your bladder to squeeze often and without warning.
Deficiency of estrogen after menopause
Once you reach menopause, your body experiences numerous changes, including failing to produce various hormones. While these changes occur, the body also fails to produce estrogen, which helps the body regulate the urinary system. Estrogen deficiency leads to urine loss due to urgency.
Weak pelvic muscles
Weak pelvic muscles is a common condition that happens when you are pregnant or after childbirth. This condition causes the tissues and muscles that support your lower abdomen organs to weaken and stretch. This causes the bladder to sag from its normal position, hence causing urine leakage.
Nerve damage
If you are experiencing other medical conditions such as trauma, this could lead to nerve damage. Damaged nerves send signals to the brain about emptying your bladder at the wrong time. Some major conditions associated with nerve damage include stroke, radiation, back or pelvic surgery, and multiple sclerosis.
Treatment
Managing OAB is both daunting and possible, depending on your specific needs. The first and most effective treatment mode is ensuring you communicate with your doctor whenever you experience a change in your bladder behavior. This way, it will be easy to find the method of treatment that works for you. Some standard treatment modes for OAB include prescription medications, lifestyle changes, nerve stimulation, and bladder botox. Therefore, you will require to work closely with your doctor to ensure you get a plan that works best for you. Book your appointment to learn more about this condition and the available treatment plans.