Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition that can affect both men and women, increasingly common as they get older. Studies suggests that postmenopausal women are more likely to suffer from this condition. OAB is characterized by urinary urgency, frequency and nocturia, with or without incontinence (urine leaks). It is also important to exclude other medical conditions with similar symptoms e.g. UTI, stones and tumours. The symptoms of OAB can adversely impact a patient’s quality of life. The great news is OAB can be managed, and treatments can have desirable outcomes. Firstly, a detailed consultation with a Urologist will be useful because there are many options in managing OAB. In minor cases, lifestyle modifications may suffice. Should lifestyle modifications fail, your Urologist may introduce some medications to help. There are other treatments such as Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) that is similar to acupuncture. It is a nonsurgical treatment where a thin needle is placed in the ankle where the posterior tibial nerve is then stimulated. The stimulation helps to modulate abnormal signals from the bladder and prevent spasms in the bladder. There are various options to explore aside from the surgery. Suffering in silence should not be an option. Talk to your Urologist today!
