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2.Residual urine – a bladder scan or a catheter may be used to assess the volume of urine left
inside your bladder after you urinate. A high residual may cause symptoms of OAB.
3.Urodynamic tests – measures the bladder capacity and pressure, and can
evaluate how effectively your bladder can empty itself.
You may also be asked to keep a voiding or bladder diary to assess your baseline
urinary habits. This is a record of the amount of fluid you drink, the number of voids
you make, and the amount of leakage (if any) that happens in a day.
What are the available treatment options?
Behavioral treatment is initially advised. This includes:
1.Lifestyle change – Certain food and drinks may cause you to urinate more often.
Avoiding caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and cola may help control frequency. The
same holds true for alcoholic beverages. If you have nocturia, avoiding too much fluid a
few hours before you sleep may also help. Weight loss may be beneficial in relieving the
extra pressure placed on the bladder. Smoking has also been considered a bladder irritant
so cutting out on smoking may alleviate some symptoms.
2.Bladder training – The first step is by completing a bladder diary. This helps you study
your pattern of voiding and leaking, as well as assess how much fluid intake you have and
if it affects your urine frequency. With this information, you can time when you have to go
the bathroom, as well as adjust your intake in order to avoid frequent voiding or accidental
leakage.
3.Pelvic floor muscle exercises – this is called the Kegel exercise, and the most essential part
of the exercise is making sure that the right muscles are being used. Your doctor may help to
make sure you are squeezing the right muscles. Strengthening these muscles and knowing
the right time to squeeze them help in controlling the leaks that occur due to urgency. Some
symptoms of OAB may improve after 3 to 6 months of regular pelvic floor muscle exercises.
In cases where behavioral treatment is only partially effective, additional pharmacologic
treatment may be given. These include:
1.Anticholinergic medications – these are drugs which help relieve symptoms of OAB by
relaxing the muscles of the bladder
2.Hormonal therapy - some of the symptoms of OAB may be caused by estrogen deficiency so
these may be relieved by hormone replacement therapy
3.Botulinum Toxin A – also known as Botox. It is injected in small doses into the bladder muscles,
partially paralyzing it, thereby increasing bladder capacity and decreasing involuntary contractions.
At The Medical City, what are the related services available for OAB?
At The Medical City, we have a complete roster of competent urogynecologists who can assess and
treat patients with overactive bladder. A comprehensive urodynamic evaluation is offered for patients
with OAB at the Pelvic Floor Center with the following services:
1.simple office cystometrogram
2.uroflowmetry
3.multi-channel cystometry
4.urethral function test (urethral pressure profilometry)
5.electromyography (EMG)
6.pelvic floor ultrasound
7.bladder scan
8.cystourethroscopy
Disclaimer: This information is not intended
References:
*Bump Richard C. et al. The standardization of terminology of female pelvic
to be used as a substitute for professional
organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996; 175:
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If
10-7.
*Walters, Mark D and Mickey M. Karram. Urogynecology and Reconstructive
you or someone you know have any of the
Pelvic Surgery Fourth Edition. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2015.
symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable
*International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) website.
to seek professional help.
*Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Section of Urogynecology
*Center for Patient Partnership
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