Having an overactive bladder can be very difficult. Many people end up isolating themselves because they fear embarrassing themselves in public as a result of "accidents". The condition is actually reasonably common, and this is why scientists are always looking at new ways to treat overactive bladder. In the past, surgery was the only option for this condition, but this has now changed. Of course, every new treatment has its own pros and cons, so it is essential to examine them carefully.
Understanding Effective Ways To Treat Overactive Bladder:
Below are some of the new ways to treat overactive bladder, as well as their pros and cons.
1. Lifestyle changes, particularly monitoring what and how much you drink. Losing weight is also important. This will improve overall health, as well as reduce the symptoms of an overactive bladder. The only con is that it may not completely cure the condition.
2. Pelvic floor exercises, which can help you control the flow. This is particularly beneficial in women, but also in men if they have had their prostate removed. However, specialist training is required, and the exercises must continue for a three month period if not more. Biofeedback is also available for women, but there is no clear evidence to this being beneficial, and some find it uncomfortable and painful.
3. Bladder training, which teaches you how to make the time between feeling an urge to urinate and actually urinating, longer. When used together with pelvic floor exercises, this can be very beneficial. It does require specialist training, and training must continue for at least six weeks.
4. Incontinence products, including handheld urinals and absorbent products. They can stop "accidents" from becoming visible, and they are a good solution for those awaiting treatment. However, these don't actually solve incontinence at all.
5. Medication such as Duloxetine, which strengthens the urethra's muscle. This is usually offered if other treatments haven't worked and surgery is not an option. Used with pelvic floor exercises, this is really beneficial. However, medication comes with side effects, and the use of this particular medication cannot be stopped straight away.
6. Medication such as antimuscarinics like oxybutynin, which works on the bladder wall's muscles. It has been found to be effective and can be taken as capsule, tablet, or skin patch. However, it has unpleasant side effects and may lead to glaucoma.
7. Medication, such as Mirabegron, which relaxes the bladder muscle, making it more capable of storing urine. It has been found to be very effective and is a good alternative to antimuscarinics. However, these also have side effects, albeit different ones from other medication.
8. Medication, such as Desmopressin, which reduces urine production. This is particularly beneficial for nocturia. Nocturia means that you wake up several times each night to go to the toilet. This drug also has very few side effects, although some people experienced nausea, stomach pain, and headaches. However, the drug isn't actually licensed for nocturia.
If all of the above treatments fail, then surgery may be required. Different forms of surgical treatment also exist, again with their own specific advantages and disadvantages.