Understanding Overactive Bladder (OAB): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it primarily affects older adults, it can occur at any age, and it has a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. This article will delve into what OAB is, its symptoms, causes, and various treatment options available. Additionally, we will explore the relationship between overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder, including how conditions like myelomeningocele can contribute to bladder dysfunction. What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)? Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate, often accompanied by urinary incontinence (the unintentional loss of urine). People with OAB may experience frequent urination, waking up multiple times during the night (nocturia), and leakage. The urgency can be so intense that many people do not reach the bathroom in time. OAB occurs when the bladder’s detrusor muscle contracts...