Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where the nerves that tell the brain that the bladder is full don’t work properly. As a result, some people keep getting the urge to pee even when the bladder is not full, and others don’t realize the bladder is full until very late and end up wetting themselves. Here are some of the overactive bladder types and treatment methods you should know.

Types of overactive bladder

1. Dry OAB
This is a type where there is a constant need to pee multiple times in the day. Dry OAB is without urgency incontinence. The person can handle the urge until they reach the toilet. Studies show that up to 67% of patients struggle with dry overactive bladder.

2. Wet OAB
This is also a type where there is a constant need to pee multiple times in the day. However, wet OAB is with urgency incontinence, and in most cases, the person pees before they get to the toilet. Studies show that this condition is more common in women than men, and about 55% of women and only 16.3% of men had wet OAB.

Treatment options for overactive bladder

Self-treatment and lifestyle changes

1. Maintain a log
Start maintaining a log that includes what food or beverage you had and when you got an urge to pee. This will help understand foods and drinks that trigger the need to pee. It will also tell you at what time of the day the urge to pee is higher. This can help plan the day right.

2. Stop smoking
Smoking is a generally unhealthy condition, but it is especially harmful to people with overactive bladder. The chemicals in the smoke can damage the bladder muscles and make them weak, leading to incontinence.

3. Lose weight
Overweight problems can aggravate OAB as excess fat can put pressure on the bladder. Weight loss can help treat the condition naturally.

Medications

1. Anticholinergic medications
These medications are prescribed for people with an overactive bladder to control bladder spasms. These medications work by blocking muscarinic receptors that cause the bladder to contract. By controlling the contractions, the urge to pee also reduces.

2. Beta-3 adrenergic drugs
These are also kinds of drugs that help control bladder spasms by preventing contractions of the bladder muscle. It is a very common medication used to treat incontinence issues.

3. Augmentation cystoplasty
This is a type of surgery that helps in increasing the bladder size. Here, a small part of the intestine is removed and added to the bladder, helping it store more urine than before. This is chosen only in case of severe continence issues.

Talk to a doctor to understand the type of overactive bladder you have and plan the right treatment option.