What Are Overactive Bladder Treatment Options?
Today, there are more
overactive bladder treatment options than ever before. The choice of treatment depends on:
- How serious it is
- What best fits your lifestyle.
Overactive bladder treatment options fall into four broad categories:
- Behavioral therapy
- Medications
- Devices
- Surgery.
Behavioral Treatment for Overactive Bladder Treatment
Behavioral treatments for overactive bladder are noninvasive, free of side effects, and don't limit further
urinary incontinence treatment options. These therapies include retraining the bladder, and doing exercises called
Kegel exercises.
Bladder Retraining
Bladder retraining helps the bladder to hold urine for longer periods of time. The individual is instructed to empty the bladder at scheduled times during the day, and then to gradually extend the time between bathroom trips.
Kegel Exercises
For overactive bladder, a doctor may recommend Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles below the bladder (pelvic floor muscles) that hold in urine. These exercises for women and men involve repeatedly tightening, holding, and then relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses measuring devices to help you become aware of your body's functioning. By using electronic devices or diaries to track when your bladder and urethral muscles contract, you can gain control over these muscles. Biofeedback can be used with pelvic muscle exercises and electrical stimulation, to relieve stress and urge incontinence.
