An overactive bladder (OAB) can significantly affect a man’s daily life, causing frequent and urgent trips to the bathroom throughout the day and night. Although it may not seem like a major health concern initially, the impact on sleep, social interactions, and overall quality of life can be substantial. Men with OAB often find their activities dictated by bathroom needs, but with the proper treatment, it doesn’t have to be this way.Several effective treatments for OAB include biofeedback therapy, InterStim implants, and more. It’s important to identify the root cause of OAB to develop personalized treatment plans that bring relief.Let’s explore the potential causes of OAB, its symptoms, and how treatments like biofeedback can help.
What Causes an Overactive Bladder?
About 30% of American men are affected by OAB, resulting from a wide range of factors. Our team takes a comprehensive approach to identifying the underlying cause, which may include:
Urinary tract infections
Diabetes
Constipation
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Sleep disorders
Neurological issues
Incomplete bladder emptying
Enlarged prostate
Tumors
Neurological disorders
Certain lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol, caffeine, or fluid intake (especially near bedtime), can also contribute to OAB. Foods like spicy dishes and tomato-based products are irritants to the bladder, increasing the frequency of urination.
Common Symptoms of an Overactive Bladder
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be time to consult with your doctor about treatment options:
Sudden, strong urges to urinate
Leakage when the urge to urinate occurs
Needing to urinate more than eight times in 24 hours
Feeling the urge to urinate again soon after emptying the bladder
Nocturia is the urge to urinate during the night waking you up several times that is also linked to OAB. Left untreated, this sleep disruption can lead to fatigue and reduced energy and negatively impact your overall well-being. OAB can even interfere with intimate relationships, leading to frustration for both partners.Many men delay seeking treatment for OAB, hoping the symptoms will eventually subside. Without treatment , OAB can become worse over time. Don’t let an overactive bladder control your life—explore the treatment options available.
How Biofeedback Can Help
Biofeedback is a non-invasive therapy designed to help people gain greater control over certain bodily functions. Although we don’t usually think about the processes that make our hearts beat faster or cause us to sweat, biofeedback can teach us how to influence some of these ordinarily automatic functions. It manages various conditions, including migraines, incontinence, and OAB.This therapy helps patients become more aware of how their body functions, particularly the muscles used during urination. With biofeedback, patients can learn how to control their bladder better through pelvic floor exercises.
How Does Biofeedback Work?
Small sensors (electrodes) are placed on the body during biofeedback therapy to monitor muscle activity. As patients perform pelvic floor exercises, these sensors help determine whether the correct muscles are engaged. By analyzing this information, therapists can provide guidance on improving bladder control using correct muscle groups.Biofeedback is often paired with pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that control urination rather than those in the abdomen. The number of biofeedback sessions needed varies based on individual circumstances, but studies have shown that it can significantly improve bladder control.By combining biofeedback with other treatments, men can regain control over their bladder and enjoy a better quality of life without the constant worry of finding a bathroom.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
