Welcome to another informative episode of our Balls Deep podcast, where we discuss everyday life issues in the bedroom, bathroom, and boardroom. In this episode, we’re discussing overactive bladder (OAB) treatment and how a urologist can help you regain control.
You may have been troubled with OAB if you find yourself rushing to the toilet consistently or waking up several times at night to pee. While lifestyle changes are often recommended as the first approach toward managing these symptoms, there are various treatment options when this fails:
Medications: An Alternative Way
Firstly, Dr. Pazona explains that medications for OAB are generally considered second-line therapy after trying to make adjustments to one’s lifestyle like cutting back on caffeine or losing weight. One example of anticholinergics used in treating OAB include oxybutynin and tolterodine. These calm down nerves that cause the bladder to contract but they also come with lots of side effects like dry mouth, dry eyes, and constipation, which makes their long-term use impossible for many patients.
Myrbetriq, which is from another class called beta-3 agonists is a much better option as it does not have significant effects on other parts of the nervous system; however, it can be quite expensive and not all insurance plans will cover it.
Botox: Not Just for Wrinkles
Botox isn’t just a face enhancer! It can also help treat an overactive bladder. The injection of Botox directly into the muscle of the bladder by urologists considerably reduces contractions making urinating less urgent or frequent. Although it takes place quickly in an office environment, this procedure has some disadvantages, such as urinary retention, which occurs in seven percent of patients necessitating temporary catheterization.
Bladder Pacemaker: A High-Tech Solution
Sacral neuromodulation, popularly called a “bladder pacemaker” can be a game-changer for those with more severe symptoms or who do not respond well to medication. This small device that is placed near the sacral nerve in the lower back helps reset communication between the brain and bladder. It is a minimally invasive procedure that has high success rates and can greatly enhance the quality of life for people diagnosed with OAB.
The Bottom Line
Overactive bladder is a common yet often misunderstood condition that can significantly affect one’s lifestyle. Fortunately, there are effective therapies available ranging from drugs to advanced treatments like Botox injections and sacral neuromodulation. Therefore, if you are having problems with your OAB, it is important to talk to a urologist about suitable management options.
At Pazona MD, Dr. Pazona and his staff provide compassionate, comprehensive care. Thus, if you or someone you know struggles with overactive bladder, reach out to us to find out how we can help.
Disclaimer: This podcast aims at informing only and cannot act as substitute medical advice by qualified professionals. Seek your doctor’s advice on any medical conditions.
