The only over-the-counter medication approved for overactive bladder (OAB) is Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). It's a patch that's applied to your skin, but it should only be used by women. The best prescription OAB medications are anticholinergics and beta-3 adrenergic agonists.
Anticholinergics. These medications can calm an overactive bladder and may be helpful for urge incontinence. Examples include oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), tolterodine (Detrol), darifenacin (Enablex), fesoterodine (Toviaz), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium chloride. Mirabegron (Myrbetriq).
Magnesium. Magnesium is important for proper muscle and nerve function. Some doctors believe better magnesium levels can reduce bladder spasms, a common cause of incontinence.
Vitamin C found in foods.
A study done on vitamin c intake in 2060 women, aged 30-79 years of age found that high-dose intake of vitamin c and calcium were positively associated with urinary storage or incontinence, whereas vitamin C from foods and beverages were associated with decreased urinary urgency.
The most common types of antimuscarinic medicines used to treat urge incontinence include: oxybutynin. tolterodine. darifenacin.
Fesoterodine is an effective drug; and when compared with other medications, flexibly dosed fesoterodine has the most favourable benefit‐safety profile; The importance of a personalised approach to the management of patients with OAB.
Overactive bladder is a collection of symptoms that may affect how often you pee and your urgency. Causes include abdominal trauma, infection, nerve damage, medications and certain fluids. Treatment includes changing certain behaviors, medications and nerve stimulation.
Some research shows that magnesium hydroxide can reduce spontaneous muscle contractions that cause incontinence. A small study found that magnesium hydroxide improved urinary incontinence in women.
The Oxytrol® for Men skin patch is available only with a doctor's prescription, but the Oxytrol® for Women skin patch is available without a prescription or over-the counter (OTC). This product is available in the following dosage forms: Patch, Extended Release.
Not only does OAB not go away on it's own, but the condition will likely get worse if left untreated. Over time, our muscles get weaker and the tissues of our pelvic floor grow thinner. If OAB is left untreated, it can become harder to control the urges, and leaks may be more frequent.
Sacral neuromodulation – A sacral nerve stimulator (SNS) is a surgically implanted device that treats urinary incontinence. The device is placed under the skin in the upper buttock and is connected by wires to a nerve (the sacral nerve) in the lower back.
Causes of urinary incontinence
Stress incontinence is usually the result of the weakening of or damage to the muscles used to prevent urination, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral sphincter. Urge incontinence is usually the result of overactivity of the detrusor muscles, which control the bladder.
Signs and Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
Sudden, urgent need to urinate. Difficulty holding in urine. Frequent urination (often eight times or more within 24 hours) Unintentional loss of urine with urgent need to urinate (urgency incontinence)
Stress, anxiety, and depression may actually contribute to OAB and urinary incontinence. In a study involving more than 16,000 women in Norway, having anxiety or depression symptoms at baseline was associated with a 1.5- to two-fold increase in the risk of developing urinary incontinence.
Abstract. Purpose: Overactive bladder imposes a significant socioeconomic burden on the health care system. It is a commonly held belief that increased fluid intake (8 glasses of water per day) is beneficial for health. However, increased fluid intake exacerbates overactive bladder symptoms.
An innovative option to managing urinary incontinence
Until now, women with urinary incontinence have had invasive catheters or adult diapers and pads to help manage their incontinence. The PureWick™ System was created to provide women with a non-invasive option to manage their urinary incontinence.
"Unfortunately, urinary incontinence isn't likely to go away on its own. The good news, however, is that there are things that you can do on your own to improve it, and there are plenty of options for treating it," adds Dr. Lindo.
Side sleeping may be the best option if you have both OAB and sleep apnea. Elevating your legs throughout the day may also help to reduce the need to urinate at night for some people. Other ways to reduce nocturia with OAB include limiting fluids in the evening and double voiding before bed.
FIRST-LINE TREATMENTS
Behavioral therapies (e.g., bladder training, bladder-control strategies, pelvic floor muscle training, fluid management) should be offered as first-line therapy to all patients with overactive bladder. Antimuscarinic agents may be used in combination with behavioral strategies.
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition in which the bladder can no longer hold urine normally. If you have an overactive bladder, you might often feel a sudden urge to urinate or experience an accident. Urinary incontinence is when you lose control of your bladder. It isn't a condition; it's a symptom.