Millions of people across the world face abnormal urinary conditions due to the lack of bladder control. Overactive bladder and underactive bladder are urinary symptoms that are related to abnormalities while peeing. The urinary symptoms are sometimes serious as it affects our personal and social life. These conditions can disrupt our sleep and sex life. Overactive bladder is commonly discussed but very less is known about the underactive bladder. Let us know more about both the conditions.
Overactive bladder vs Underactive bladder
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that frequently creates an urge to urinate. Some people are unable to control the sudden urge for urination and suffer from urine leakage. People with these symptoms have the feeling of “gotta go” to the bathroom urgently.
Underactive bladder (UAB) is a condition in which a person is not able to empty the bladder completely. One may hesitate before urine flows or may need to put an effort to push urine out of the bladder. It may have serious consequences if left untreated.
Causes for overactive bladder and underactive bladder
Bladders get overactive due to the involuntary contraction of bladder muscles. Involuntary muscle contraction creates the urgent need to urinate even if the urine is low in the bladder. Other than that, several factors contribute to the cause of overactive bladder are:
- Neurological disorders such as stroke and sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Acute urinary tract infections
- Abnormalities in bladders such as stone formation or tumors
- Enlarged prostate
- Constipation
- Incomplete bladder emptying
The cause of underactive bladder is not clear as it has multiple possibilities. It can occur due to any obstruction or can be a result of a sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder. There are several factors that are associated with underactive bladder syndrome.
- Damage to the peripheral nerve may eliminate the feeling of bladder filling and cause difficulty in emptying the bladder.
- Pelvic surgery
- Older age
- Vaginal prolapse
- Enlargement of prostate
- Certain spinal cord injury
Symptoms that should not be ignored
With an overactive bladder (OAB), a person may feel like
- Sudden urge to urinate which is uncontrollable
- Frequent urination i.e., more than 8 times in 24 hours
- Wake up at night to pass urination
The key symptom of a person having an Underactive Bladder (UAB) is strain while urinating and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Treatment for overactive and underactive bladder
One can manage overactive bladder (OAB) with treatments such as medications, bladder injections, nerve stimulation treatment, and surgery.
There is no complete cure for Underactive bladder (UAB), but there are some treatment options which slow down the disease. Medications and intermittent self-catheterization are the main treatments used to improve the condition and to limit the damage to the bladder and kidneys.
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Blog Reviewed By: Dr N Anandan
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