Overactive Bladder in Jacksonville, FL

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a urologic condition that affects both men and women, though it tends to be more common among women. As a form of urinary incontinence (accidental urine loss), it can result in a frequent or urgent need to urinate, bladder discomfort, and other symptoms. Many patients find OAB to be a significant inconvenience and even embarrassing, as it may lead to routine disruptions in their daily lives. At Kasraeian Urology, our experienced specialists understand the difficulties that symptoms of an overactive bladder and bladder dysfunction can cause. Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian use their advanced skill and expertise to diagnose and treat OAB and help patients gain better control of their bladder function and an improved quality of life. If you have trouble holding your bladder or find yourself experiencing urinary urgency, schedule a visit with one of our board-certified urologists in Jacksonville or Jacksonville Beach, FL to explore personalized treatment options.

Ideal candidates for overactive bladder treatment with InterStim or Axionics therapy are men and women who are experiencing urgency incontinence and/or the symptoms of urgency incontinence, do not have an obstruction in the urinary tract, and have not responded to more conservative therapies.

One of the most prominent overactive bladder symptoms is a strong need to urinate. Along with this sense of urinary urgency, you may feel as though you will lose bladder control if you do not relieve the sensation as quickly as possible. Other common symptoms of OAB include:

• Frequent urination
• Urinary incontinence (urine leakage)
• Nocturia (nighttime urination)
• The feeling of having a full bladder

Understanding the risk factors associated with an overactive bladder (OAB) can help individuals identify their susceptibility to this condition and take proactive steps to manage it. An overactive bladder is characterized by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder, leading to a sudden and urgent need to urinate. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing OAB, such as:

• Age: The risk increases with age due to changes in the bladder and surrounding muscles.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop OAB than men, especially after childbirth and menopause.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the bladder, leading to OAB symptoms.
• Diabetes: This condition can cause nerve damage that affects bladder function.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis can disrupt the signals between the brain and bladder.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent UTIs can irritate the bladder and lead to symptoms of OAB.
• Certain Medications: Diuretics and other medications can contribute to bladder control issues.
• Lifestyle Factors: High fluid intake, consumption of bladder irritants (e.g., caffeine, alcohol), and smoking can exacerbate OAB symptoms.
• Pelvic Muscle Weakness: Weak pelvic muscles can lead to bladder control problems.
  

Causes of OAB vary among patients but commonly include a weakened bladder muscle or muscle spasms, obesity, certain medications, caffeine or alcohol consumption, and nerve damage. Kasraeian Urology offers a caring, confidential environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your OAB symptoms or bladder dysfunction during a private consultation with one of our specialists.

To diagnose an overactive bladder, one of our experienced urologists will conduct an exam to help identify the source of the condition. Together, you can then curate a personalized solution for gaining control of your overactive bladder and relieving your symptoms. Urodynamics testing is a diagnostic approach commonly used to measure pressure in the bladder and evaluate muscle contractions or spasms. This may involve a collection of assessments that provide valuable insight into how your bladder, urethra, and sphincters control the containment and release of urine.

Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, FL proudly offers two state-of-the-art treatments for overactive bladder.

InterStim
Treatment may involve lifestyle changes or focus on bladder control therapy, such as the advanced option of InterStim™. As a sacral neuromodulation treatment, InterStim transmits electrical pulses to nerves in the lower spinal cord (sacral area), which ultimately helps control bladder function. By stimulating the sacral nerves, InterStim may aid in improving muscle control of the bladder and reducing OAB symptoms.

Axonics Therapy
We also offer Axonics to help with overactive bladder. Axonics provides the patient gentle stimulation to the nerves controlling the bladder/bowel to help the patient control their bladder and reduce symptoms.

Can overactive bladder go away on its own?
While there are things you can do to improve the situation, for the most part, OAB is a chronic condition. This means you may be able to reduce the effects and severity, but OAB will never completely go away on its own. That's why you should always consult a urologist with your concerns.

How can I prevent overactive bladder?
Just because OAB is a chronic condition, that doesn't mean there aren't things you can do to help. Here are a few tips to help reduce the effects of OAB:

• Consult a urologist for a personalized treatment plan
• Drink the daily recommended amount of water at regular intervals
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
• Get regular exercise
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Try pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)
• Manage chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, obesity)
• Quit smoking

Can overactive bladder be managed long-term?
Yes, with proper treatment and management, many individuals with an overactive bladder can experience significant improvement in symptoms and lead normal, active lives.

Is an overactive bladder a normal part of aging?
No, although the prevalence of an overactive bladder increases with age, it is not considered a normal part of the aging process. It is a medical condition that can and should be addressed.

Can stress or anxiety aggravate overactive bladder symptoms?
Yes, stress and anxiety can exacerbate overactive bladder symptoms. It's important to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and potentially with the help of a mental health professional.

Does having an overactive bladder affect sleep quality?
Yes, OAB can impact sleep when individuals wake frequently during the night to use the bathroom. This disrupted sleep can lead to fatigue, mood changes, and reduced quality of life. Practicing good sleep hygiene — like limiting fluids a couple of hours before bedtime and creating a calming bedtime routine — can help.

Take back control of your bladder and minimize urinary frequency with specialized care from Kasraeian Urology. Our skilled, compassionate urologists offer private, personalized consultations at our Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, FL locations, as well as virtual telemedicine visits. Contact our team today to inquire about insurance coverage for OAB care, treatment costs, or to schedule your consultation with Drs. Kasraeian.