Overactive bladder is a common problem that affects many people. In the United States, there are about 33 million people who suffer from an overactive bladder. About thirty percent of men are currently living with an overactive bladder. It is likely that there are many more men living with this condition because many men don’t seek help for this problem, let alone any medical condition. Living with an overactive bladder can interfere with your daily routine including work, sleep, exercise, relationships and social life. However, this does not have to be the case.
- Accidental leaking. Even just a few drops is an indication that you may have an overactive bladder.
- Frequent urination. Urinating more than eight times a day.
- Nocturia. Waking up more than two times a night to urinate. This condition becomes more common with age, although it should not affect your sleep habits as it does with an overactive bladder.
- Sudden urge to urinate. Even if you’ve had little or nothing to drink for hours, if you’ve already emptied your bladder, and regardless of the time of day. Intense urgency may even cause you to leak on the way to the bathroom.
- Disrupted lifestyle. If you’re making changes to your lifestyle to accommodate for your bladder problems, you should seek help. Living with OAB can cause emotional distress, embarrassment, social isolation, and even depression.
If you’re suffering from symptoms of an overactive bladder, see your urologist. There are many options for treatment including medications, behavioral therapy, devices, and even surgery. In the meantime, limit alcohol and caffeine intake, avoid drinking anything right before going to sleep, practice strengthening your bladder muscle with Kegel exercises, set a bathroom schedule to train your bladder, and if necessary, wear men’s protective undergarments (pads or underwear).
