Natural Treatment for Overactive Bladder

Introduction

An urge to pass urine is normal. However, if the urge is frequent, it can denote something wrong in the urinary tract. It is time to take matters seriously and get it checked. The underlying cause must be treated appropriately to control the frequent urination urge. A pregnant woman may have frequent urgency to pass urine. This is due to the pressure exerted on the bladder by the growing fetus in the uterus.

What Is an Overactive Bladder?

An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where the bladder muscles spasm involuntarily. This makes it impossible for individuals to hold their urine in the bladder. The urge to urinate is quick, intense, and difficult to control. As a result, there might be an involuntary leakage of urine. In addition, they might also experience the urge to urinate more than eight times in 24 hours. It is a condition that can affect the quality of life of the affected individuals. It can hurt their social interaction and daily functioning, including job, travel, physical activity, sleep, and sexual function.

What Are the Symptoms of an Overactive Bladder?

An overactive bladder can have a wide range of symptoms associated. They can include:

• Urinary Urgency: An unexpected and uncontrollable urgency to urinate is seen. Once the urge to urinate strikes, they are unable to hold it in for longer.

• Frequent Urination: A frequent urge to urinate can cause frequent visits (more than usual) to the washroom.

• Urge Incontinence: The likelihood of their leaking urine increases if they have to wait for a long time after the urge to urinate arises. This can be embarrassing to the affected individual.

• Nocturia: The frequent urge to urinate at night is called nocturia. Waking up at night more than two times to pass urine is considered nocturia.

What Are the Causes of an Overactive Bladder?

Conditions that affect or injure the detrusor muscle are known to cause an overactive bladder. A collection of smooth muscles in the bladder is called the detrusor muscle. It can be due to:

• Trauma to the Abdomen: Stretching and weakening of the abdominal muscles can be caused by pregnancy and childbirth. The pelvic muscles are responsible for supporting the organs in the lower abdomen. The bladder may sag out of its normal position when the pelvic muscles are weakened.

• Nerve Damage: Sometimes, the body may send the wrong signals to the bladder, causing an urge to urinate. This can be due to certain conditions or injuries that could have resulted in nerve damage. It can happen as a result of pelvic or spinal surgery. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, radiation therapy, etc., are some conditions that may cause nerve damage.

• Substances like Alcohol, Caffeine, and Drugs: They can all cause nerves to become dull, which can alter brain signals and result in overflowing bladders. Caffeine and diuretics might cause the bladder to inflate quickly and eventually leak.

• Infection: An infection (for example, a urinary tract infection) can irritate the bladder muscles and cause the bladder muscles to contract abruptly.

• Additional Weight: An added weight (as in pregnancy) puts pressure on the bladder, creating an urgency to urinate often.

• Estrogen Deficiency Following Menopause: Changes in hormones might lead to urge incontinence. Estrogen therapy, administered vaginally, can be beneficial.

How Is an Overactive Bladder Diagnosed?

A thorough case history and physical examination can help diagnose an overactive bladder. The tests that can be beneficial include:

• Urinalysis: A urine test known as a urinalysis examines the urine's microscopic, chemical, and visual components. The presence of germs, red blood cells, and white blood cells germs, red blood cells, and white blood cells can be indicative of an infection.

• Urodynamic Tests: Urodynamic tests evaluate the amount of urine that stays in the bladder after urinating, as well as the volume, rate, and pressure of the urine as it fills the bladder.

• Ultrasound and CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: These are non-invasive diagnostic methods that enable the visualization of the bladder. Any bladder faults can be diagnosed and treated appropriately.

• Cystoscopy: A medical professional will examine the bladder from the urethra using a device known as a cystoscope. Usually, the doctor applies numbing gel to the urethra to prevent pain or discomfort.

What Are the Natural Treatment Options for Overactive Bladder?

1. Eliminate the Irritants: Avoiding foods and beverages known to irritate the bladder can help ease the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Chocolate, artificial sweeteners, citrus fruits and juices, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners are common irritants. Sodas and other carbonated beverages, such as cranberry juice, corn syrup, tomatoes, sugar, honey, vinegar, dairy, and spicy foods, are other items and beverages to limit or avoid. Keeping a journal for food and drinks helps analyze the accurate causes and helps avoid them.

2. Lifestyle Changes: An overactive bladder can be managed by quitting smoking. This is because smoking tends to exacerbate the symptoms and also increases the chance of leakage. In addition, shedding pounds can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and ease the bladder strain.

3. Bladder Control Techniques: Many bladder control techniques can help to control the bladder. A urine journal can be maintained, which includes tracking bathroom trips, leaks, and urgent symptoms. Toilet breaks can be planned to add 15 minutes to the recorded timing. Toilet visits can be done at these times, irrespective of the urgency. The gaps can be gradually increased. Delayed urination is another method that can be followed, which includes adding some minutes or delay each time one has an urgency. Relaxation techniques can be used to delay the gap. This can be maintained until there is a three to four-hour gap in between the urination frequencies.

4. Kegel Exercises: Kegel exercises focus on strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor, which aid in controlling the urine flow. To locate the pelvic floor muscles, try to stop urine flow midstream. The muscles that help in this are the pelvic muscles. Now, repeat the cycle ten times by contracting these muscles for ten seconds and then relaxing for three. The number of Kegels can be increased gradually each day.

5. Fluid Intake: Drinking sufficient water is important to remain hydrated. Less water consumption can cause urine to be concentrated, irritating the bladder and worsening the overactive bladder.

6. Herbal Supplements: A number of herbal supplements are available that can be used to treat the condition. These, however, should be used only after consulting a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

It can be inconvenient to have to urinate frequently. Before attempting any alternative treatments for overactive bladder, it is advisable to consult a physician. Physicians may recommend second-line treatments if first-line treatments are ineffective in treating symptoms. A range of surgical and non-surgical treatments may be necessary for a persistently overactive bladder.