Overactive bladder is a common problem that affects more than 33 million Americans. While anyone can experience an overactive bladder, this condition is especially common in women. At Advanced Urology in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, Kjell Youngren, MD, has years of experience providing safe, effective care for overactive bladder. To schedule an appointment, book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a caring staff member today.
Overactive bladder causes you to experience frequent and sudden urges to urinate. For example, you might feel like you need to urinate even after going to the bathroom. Over time, you might also experience leakage or have trouble controlling your bladder.
When left untreated, an overactive bladder can negatively affect your quality of life. Many people with the condition feel embarrassed and begin limiting their social activities.
Common symptoms of an overactive bladder include:
Even if you make it to the bathroom on time, an overactive bladder can consume your life, making it difficult to enjoy time with friends and family or focus at work.
Anyone can experience an overactive bladder, but it’s especially common as you age. Other factors that may increase your risk of an overactive bladder include underlying health problems like an enlarged prostate or diabetes. Additionally, many people with cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, develop an overactive bladder.
There’s no way to prevent an overactive bladder entirely, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Dr. Youngren recommends maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises.
Dr. Youngren diagnoses an overactive bladder by reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical exam, and asking about your lifestyle and symptoms. He also orders several urodynamic tests to see how your bladder functions, including:
To measure the urine left in your bladder, Dr. Youngren uses ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound uses high-frequency soundwaves to provide detailed, real-time pictures of your bladder.
To measure your urine flow, Dr. Youngren has you urinate into a uroflowmeter. This tool measures the volume and speed of your urine and translates the data into a graph.
If Dr. Youngren suspects you have a stiff bladder or involuntary muscle contractions, he might recommend cystometry. This test measures the pressure in your bladder and the surrounding region as your bladder fills.
Treatment for an overactive bladder depends on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Youngren typically recommends healthy lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, scheduling bathroom breaks throughout the day, and training your bladder.
If your symptoms persist or get worse, Dr. Youngren might recommend prescription medications, bladder injections, or nerve stimulation.
To receive treatment for an overactive bladder, schedule an appointment at Advanced Urology. Book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a caring staff member today.