Overactive Bladder
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for overactive bladder. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. We developed an innovative gene transfer technology and are spearheading clinical trials for the treatment of overactive bladder using naked DNA gene transfer. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.
When you need overactive bladder care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What Is an Overactive Bladder?
The bladder is an organ in the abdomen that holds urine. When the bladder is full, it contracts, and urine is expelled from the body through the urethra. Excessive muscle contractions in the bladder wall result in a frequent need to urinate, known as overactive bladder. There are two types of overactive bladder, occurring with and without urge incontinence.
Causes of Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is caused by a malfunction of the detrusor muscle, the muscular layer of the bladder wall that contracts to expel urine and relaxes to store urine. This, in turn, can be caused by:
- Bladder cancer
- Bladder stones
- Medication side effects
- Nerve damage
- Neurological diseases
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Prostate cancer
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Signs & Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
- Frequent urination
- Leaking or involuntary and/or complete bladder voiding (overactive bladder with urge incontinence)
- Nocturia or waking two or more times per night to urinate
- Urgency to urinate
Diagnosing Overactive Bladder
Diagnosis of overactive bladder includes a screening questionnaire, a detailed medical history, a comprehensive physical examination and urinalysis, which detects the presence of bacteria or pus in urine and indicates infection.
Urodynamic tests are specialized diagnostic screenings for overactive bladder. These tests assess bladder function, measure the amount of urine after voiding and assess the degree of incontinence and bladder irritability. Your physician may perform measurements by inserting a thin tube through the urethra into the bladder or using an ultrasound to capture a detailed image of the bladder.
Additional specialized diagnostic tests include:
- Cystometry: measures the bladder’s pressure and capacity. Cystometry also evaluates the function of the detrusor muscle, the extent of leakage and the pressure required to empty the bladder fully.
- Cystoscopy: a test in which a thin tube with a camera at one end is used to see the interior of the urethra and the bladder
- Electromyography: assesses the coordination of nerve impulses in the bladder muscles and urinary sphincter
- Uroflowmetry: measures the volume and speed of urination
- Video urodynamics: uses imaging and ultrasound to capture images of the bladder while filled and after emptying
Treating Overactive Bladder
Treatment for overactive bladder may include medication, surgery or behavioral interventions to help reduce episodes and strengthen bladder muscles. Behavioral treatments include bladder training, which includes delaying urination from 10 minutes to two hours, and exercises to improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter and to hold urine and suppress involuntary bladder movement. Vaginal weight training may also be used to tighten vaginal muscles.