Overactive Bladder in Frisco & Plano, TX

There is a complex interplay between your bladder, nerve signals, and your brain. This coordinated effort lets you know when your bladder is becoming full, as well as when it is time to be emptied. With an overactive bladder (OAB), however, the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily creating the need to urinate, even though your bladder may not be full. An overactive bladder causes challenges everyday, such as loss of urine control and the fear of an accident. This causes patients to isolate themselves from friends and family, and may limit the ability to work. Dr. Aimee Nguyen, an obstetrician/gynecologist in Frisco, TX (and surrounding areas Plano, Allen & McKinney), specializes in urogynecology and offers treatment for patients suffering from an overactive bladder.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have an overactive bladder:

• Frequent urination, usually 8-10 or more times in a 24 hour period
• Awakening several times at night to urinate, usually 2-3 times or more
• Urge incontinence (loss of urine that occurs with the urge to urinate) 

Several factors, including neurological disorders, diet, and medications can contribute to the symptoms of overactive bladder. OAB can be a symptom of a larger problem, such as bladder stones or urinary tract infections. An overactive bladder is NOT a normal part of aging or childbirth.

Overactive bladder is a treatable condition and it’s possible to stop the constant disruptions and start living life again.

Medications 

Several prescription medications are available to relieve the symptoms of OAB. Oral medications can be prescribed, and injections of temporary muscle paralyzers, such as BOTOX, into the bladder may also help.

Bladder Training

Bladder training can improve control by setting a schedule for urination. As control of the pelvic muscles improves, the patient can increase the time between bathroom breaks. This is a cognitive process that helps by writing down reminders and a schedule to urinate.

Bladder Diet

Certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder and cause OAB. Dr. Nguyen will create a diet plan to help identify the patient’s trigger foods.

Kegel Exercises

Specific pelvic floor exercises, known as kegels, can increase the muscles and improve a patient’s control over their bladder.

InterStim Therapy

To stimulate the nerves, a small device (similar to a pacemaker) is implanted under the skin of the upper buttocks. This stimulation of nerves offers relief to patients that suffer from bladder issues. This procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery and done with local anesthesia. The majority of patients see improvement with OAB almost immediately after InterStim is placed.

Minimally Invasive Bladder Surgery

Dr. Nguyen can increase bladder capacity or remove a part of the bladder with a technique that avoids making large incisions. The benefits include less discomfort, less bleeding, less risk of infection, and a quicker recovery time. This surgery is usually only recommended for patients with extreme overactive bladder.

Keeping track of your bladder for a few days can help Dr. Nguyen diagnosis and treat overactive bladder. Patients should keep track of the type and amount of food and drink they consume. Also, patients should note the time that they go to the bathroom and the amount of urine they eliminate during each trip.

Many women do experience overactive bladder and incontinence during and after pregnancy. It may be the start of a long-term problem or indicate other concerns. Tell Dr. Nguyen about any concerns regarding OAB or incontinence.

The risk and severity of overactive bladder do increase with age, but that does not mean it is natural or untreatable. Dr. Nguyen treats OAB in patients of all ages and can help find a solution for each person.