Overactive bladder is marked by an urgent, frequent need to urinate caused by involuntary bladder-muscle contractions. Learn the warning signs and know when to see a urologist.
In addition to affecting the urinary system, overactive bladder can have psychological consequences that further worsen quality of life.
Therefore, if you suspect you have OAB, keep reading to find out what to do:
What is overactive bladder?
Overactive bladder is a functional urological disorder in which the bladder muscles contract intensely and involuntarily, generating an urgent need to void regardless of urine volume. It may or may not be accompanied by male urinary incontinence, according to the International Continence Society.
This malfunction can occur when communication between the nerves and the bladder-wall muscles is disrupted.
Does overactive bladder also affect men?
According to the National Overactive Bladder Study (NOBLE), one in six people in the United States suffers from OAB symptoms, with a prevalence of 16 % in men and 16.9 % in women.
In men, the condition is of particular concern because it can worsen erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease through nerve or muscle damage.
Risk factors for overactive bladder in men
The main risk factors include advanced age, abnormal prostate growth, diabetes, neurological diseases and medications that interfere with urinary control.
Main causes of the condition in men
Causes include:
Bladder outlet obstruction
In men, urinary obstruction related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common trigger for overactive bladder. Prostate enlargement compresses the urethra, hampers complete emptying and provokes involuntary contractions.
Nerve damage
Injury to the nerves that control the bladder can lead to OAB, arising from neurological disease, pelvic surgery or spinal-cord trauma.
Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes may cause diabetic neuropathy, damaging bladder nerves and contributing to dysfunction. Roughly 50 % of people with type 2 diabetes experience some urinary impairment, including OAB.
Medications
Drugs such as diuretics, sedatives and antidepressants can disturb urinary control and aggravate OAB symptoms.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections may irritate the bladder lining, increasing frequency and urgency. Recurrent infections raise the possibility of chronic bladder overactivity.
Behavioral factors
Excessive caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods can irritate the bladder and exacerbate symptoms.
Consequences of untreated overactive bladder
Untreated OAB can progress to serious complications such as recurrent UTIs, increasing the risk of pyelonephritis and renal damage.
Inadequate emptying may also cause chronic urinary retention, elevated bladder pressure and, in severe cases, kidney injury.
A significant psychological toll is often overlooked. Men with OAB are more likely to develop depression and social isolation owing to fear of incontinence episodes and embarrassment in seeking help.
Symptoms
- Increased urinary frequency
- Urgency to void
- Incontinence
- Nocturia (night-time urination)
- Sensation of incomplete emptying
Diagnosis and treatment for men
A urologist can diagnose OAB through clinical evaluation, medical history, lab tests and urodynamic studies that assess bladder pressure and storage capacity, distinguishing OAB from other conditions such as interstitial cystitis or neurogenic bladder.
Medication for overactive bladder aims to relax the detrusor muscle and lessen urgency.
Behavioral therapy and pelvic physiotherapy help retrain the bladder and control urges.
When conservative therapy fails, surgical options such as sacral neuromodulation or botulinum toxin injections may be considered.
Preventing overactive bladder through healthy habits
Prevention hinges on lifestyle. Men should manage weight, cut back on caffeine and alcohol, and stay active. Targeted pelvic-floor exercises also help.
Regular urological follow-up is essential: early medical guidance keeps the prostate healthy and flags OAB at its onset.
Overactive bladder is a complex urological disorder that can disrupt daily life and emotional well-being. With proper diagnosis and ongoing care, effective treatments can restore quality of life. For more tips, join Dr Paulo Egydio’s WhatsApp channel.
