OAB - Overactive Bladder in Men

(OAB) Overactive bladder is a condition whereby your bladder just doesn't want to hold on. A recent study showed that men suffer with overactive bladder as much as women. You don't seem to have any room in your bladder for any reasonable amount of fluid. This means you are always on edge looking for the toilet. Going to unfamiliar places will make you feel anxious and worried that you will be caught short. 

You may worry about drinking more than one drink which makes social situations difficult. Everyone else having another cup of tea? Not you! Nights can be terrible, waking up every few hours to empty the bladder.

These are a few examples of how OAB can be frustrating for some men. Read on to find out how to manage and treat this irritating condition.

What is an Overactive Bladder?

OAB, Overactive Bladder, affects millions of men of all ages. It's a common, treatable condition that one can manage, so that it doesn't interfere with their quality of life.

OAB occurs when the muscles in your bladder contract too often or without warning, which can cause you to feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate even if your bladder isn't full. You may also experience urine leakage when you can't get to the bathroom in time.

While OAB is more common in women, it's still a problem for many men.

Causes of (OAB)Overactive bladder

There are several potential causes of overactive bladder (OAB) in men. These can include:

• Obesity - Obesity is the most common cause of OAB in men. Obesity can pressure the bladder and make it difficult to control urination.

• Enlarge prostate - The prostate is a gland that produces semen and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. An enlarged prostate can block the urethra and cause urinary difficulties.

• ‍Medication - Medications that can cause OAB includes diuretics, sedatives, and antidepressants. Alcohol is also a common cause of this condition.

• Urinary tract infection - An infection of the urinary system primarily affects the urethra, ureters, bladder, and, more significantly, the kidneys. A condition in any of these organs can cause OAB in certain people.

• Muscle problems - The muscles around the urethra (the tubes that carry urine from the bladder out of the body) may not work properly, which can be due to conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, or diabetes.

• Nerve problems - Damaged or overactive nerves can send signals to the brain that make the bladder muscles contract which can be caused by diseases like Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis or by injuries to the spinal cord or nervous system.

Most of the time, OAB is caused by minor changes in the body brought about by age, an increase in physical activity, or a lifestyle change. But in case you suspect anything more serious, like the last two examples, it is best to get checked by a medical specialist.

Prevention of overactive bladder

There are a variety of things that men can do to prevent an overactive bladder. One of the most important things is to maintain a healthy weight. With obesity as one of the most common causes of this condition, being overweight puts extra pressure on the bladder and can lead to OAB. Keeping a healthy and active lifestyle is the best form of prevention of OAB. Check our wide range of exercise classes to help you stay healthy and fit.

Another important thing is to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as caffeine and alcohol. Quitting smoking is also key, as smoking can irritate the bladder and worsen OAB symptoms.

Finally, emptying your bladder when you go to the bathroom is important. Leaving urine in the bladder can increase the risk of OAB.

Treatment Options for Overactive Bladder

OAB can be quite frustrating, often irritating, and if it happens at the wrong time, a little embarrassing. But it doesn't have to be like this. We can teach you how to take control again. We call it "bladder training".

Don't be afraid to come forward for help. It doesn't take much time to learn how the bladder should work, how and why it went wrong, how to work your pelvic floor muscles and how to use those muscles to help you take control again. Please call the clinic at 9783 9990 or book online to book an appointment.

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