Can Overactive Bladder Go Away On Its Own?

Overactive bladder, called OAB, can be a frustrating condition, especially if it takes too much time to receive appropriate medical care. People with overactive bladder experience frequent and sudden urges to urinate. So sudden that the urge can be difficult to control, and may result in urgency incontinence. Overactive bladder means that there is very little peace and flow to life due to the need to urinate during the day and night. 

More than a simple frustration, overactive bladder is a condition that often causes a person to feel embarrassed and limited. Some significantly alter their lifestyle to avoid embarrassing situations, which can lead to isolation. This doesn’t have to be the case. Overactive bladder does not resolve on its own, no, but it can be managed with a few simple strategies. Examples include:

• Manage weight to reduce pressure and stress on the bladder.
• Schedule bathroom breaks to avoid the urge sensation. 
• Learn where the pelvic floor muscles are and strengthen them with contractions (Kegels)
• Train the bladder by delaying urination for a few minutes when an urge arises. This requires the use of the pelvic floor muscles. 
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and substances that irritate the bladder. 

If these initial efforts don’t help enough with your overactive bladder symptoms, additional treatments are available.

Overactive Bladder Treatments

Because every case is different and unique, there is no singular OAB treatment that will work for everyone. A urologist conducts a thorough consultation, medical history, and examination in the form of various tests to determine the best path forward. There are numerous treatment options to consider, ranging from injections that relax the bladder to medications that do the same. Some providers may recommend biofeedback to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, or surgery to increase bladder capacity. 

The OAB Clinic at Erlanger East Hospital is dedicated to the evaluation and management of overactive bladder. We offer a wide range of treatment options at one, convenient location. The OAB Clinic has all of the resources to diagnose and treat even the most complex patients, including those who have failed prior treatments or are having complications from previous therapies. To schedule a visit, contact us at (423) 778-4OAB.