Do you have to run to the restroom all of the time? Are you worried about wetting yourself in social situations? Are you tired of wearing pads for leakage?
17% of adult women suffer from overactive bladder (OAB). This meddlesome bladder problem prevents many women from living the life they choose. This can also be a health issue leading to sleep deprivation, depression and anxiety and isolation from others. Fortunately, OAB can be corrected in most cases. There are many treatments currently for overactive bladder. These include oral medications, Botox injections into the bladder wall, and InterStim neuromodulation.
There are several pills available to treat overactive bladder in women. Generic medications include oxybutynin and tolteridine. There are also several brand name medications including Vesicare, Toviaz, Enablex and more. These medications can have side effects that include dry mouth, dry eyes, and constipation. Myrbetriq, a newer drug in its own class, helps to relax the bladder without these side effects.
In people who oral medications fail or who prefer to avoid pills, Botox is an effective alternative. Botox is administered through a procedure that takes approximately 5 minutes where this medication is injected into the muscle of the bladder via a camera placed into the urethra. Botox can offer dramatic improvement in people who suffer from OAB and have not had improvement with pills.
Another option, InterStim, can lead to improvement of symptoms in women who have failed other treatment. InterStim works by gently stimulating the nerves that control the bladder. It involves a wire lead placed into the lower back that is attached to a small device that is implanted beneath the skin much like a pacemaker.
If you have symptoms of OAB talk to your primary care physician or schedule an appointment at NEO Urology to be evaluated.
You do not need to continue to live with these bothersome symptoms any longer.