Understanding Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Neurogenic Bladder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Overactive bladder (OAB) and neurogenic bladder are two common yet distinct conditions that significantly impact urinary health and overall quality of life. While OAB often arises due to muscle overactivity, neurogenic bladder is typically associated with nerve dysfunction. This article explores the symptoms, causes, and treatments for both conditions, shedding light on their differences and interconnections. What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)? Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, often accompanied by urinary incontinence (involuntary urine leakage). Symptoms may include: Urgency: A powerful and immediate need to urinate. Frequency: Urinating more than eight times daily. Nocturia: Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate. Urge Incontinence: Leakage of urine following a sudden urge. These symptoms result from involuntary contractions of the bladder’s detrusor muscle, even when the bladder is not full. Whil...