Having a condition with your bladder can be both devastating and stressful. Given that you will hardly handle such issues by yourself, it will be essential for you to visit a Wildwood urogynecology expert for invaluable insights.
One such issue that could force you to go to this medical practitioner could be an overactive bladder. Remember, about 30% of the men living with this condition are in the US. On the other hand, women living in the US constitute 40% of people living with the condition.
An overactive bladder highlights multiple symptoms including an increased frequency in the urge to urinate or waking up in the middle of the night to do the same. These symptoms come with increased urgency and could expose you to incontinence too. While at it, they will affect not only your quality of life but also mental health.
Causes Of Overactive Bladder
· Nerve Damage
Most often, signals are sent to the bladder and brain to empty at an inappropriate time. This aspect arises from various illnesses and traumas including pelvic surgery, herniated disc, radiation, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
· Weakened Pelvic Muscles
Whenever the pelvic muscles become weak, the bladder tends to sag and come out of its natural position. This change will readily result in leakage. Usually, the weakening of your pelvic muscles results from childbirth and even during pregnancy.
· Urinary Tract Infections
Infections often tend to irritate the bladder which implies that they could end up leaking. Typically this irritation results in the bladder squeezing involuntarily.
· Excess Weight and Obesity
Usually, excess weight will often put more pressure on your bladder. With this pressure, there will be an increase in the urge to urinate, or prompting incontinence.
· Inadequate Estrogen
People in the stage of menopause will often experience insufficient estrogen which often contributes to urine leakage.
· Medications
Indeed, we have different prescriptions that could increase the urgency to urinate. Usually, some of these medications could dull the nerves which result in the brain getting the signal at the wrong time. While at it, you will witness that alcohol and caffeine come with the same effects.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Various aspects go into diagnosing this condition. Usually, an expert will confirm your medical history to determine the conditions that could contribute to it. This medical history highlights both current and past conditions that make you vulnerable. While at it, you will need to confirm some of the over-the-counter drugs you have used in the recent past.
You will also undergo a comprehensive physical examination. Experts will take the time to check the abdomen, rectum, and the pelvis region. This exam will also be indicative of whether you could be at risk or not. It is during this time that they will carry out a urine test, bladder scan, and cystoscopy.
How To Avoid
· Ensure that you keep a bladder diary which highlights the number of trips you make to the bathroom.
· Avoid foods that could irritate the bladder including spicy foods, alcohol, and tea.
· Practice in completing different exercises such as kegel and quick flicks.
As you look forward to living a healthy life, remember how much your bladder matters. Visit Dr. U Nwaubani today and get the help you need if you have any symptoms.