Overactive Bladder

You’re not alone if you’re frustrated by bladder control problems. Millions of people experience bladder issues at some time.

Bladder control problems, or overactive bladder, prevent you from controlling when and how much you urinate. Sufferers may experience unexpected small or large leaks, use the bathroom very frequently, or may have the feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder. Some people experience a combination of these symptoms.

Causes of bladder-control problems

Normally, as the bladder stores urine, the pelvic floor muscles contract to support the bladder and hold urine in without leaking. Bladder control problems occur when the pelvic muscles weaken.

Symptoms & categories

• Frequent urges to urinate (urgency-frequency)
• Inability to hold urine/leaking (urge incontinence)
• Inability to urinate (complete urinary retention)
• Incomplete bladder emptying (partial urinary retention)
• Leaking due to abdominal contractions (stress incontinence)

Risk factors

Menopause or an enlarged prostate may increase your risk for bladder control problems. Bladder control problems are not a natural part of aging. Pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, weak pelvic muscles, diabetes, prostate cancer, bladder cancer or stones, and neurological disorders can also be contributing factors. In addition, certain medications, high calcium levels, constipation, or inactivity can put you at risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and voiding diary. Voiding diary is a detailed record of the amount intake of fluids and the amount of urine you pass in a 24 hour period. Talk to our doctors about your symptoms and how they are affecting your day-to-day life. They physician will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms.

For more information about our urology services, please call (925) 937-7740.