Overactive Bladder Treatment in Torrance, CA
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that affects many individuals who, for one reason or another, are unable to hold urine in regular quantities or for regular periods of time. OAB encompasses a variety of different symptoms, which may also exist at varying levels of severity.
Board-certified urologist, Dr. Farhad Nowzari is highly trained in treating overactive bladder. If you are suffering from OAB symptoms contact our urology clinic in Torrance, CA by calling and scheduling an appointment today at (310) 921-1100.
Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
There is often confusion between OAB and some of its most common symptoms. For example, urinary incontinence can be a symptom of OAB, but it is not the same thing as an overactive bladder. Urinary incontinence is only a symptom, not a condition. It can also be a symptom of many other urinary issues and therefore may be brought on by a multitude of health problems.
In addition to urinary incontinence, it is also extremely common for people with OAB to experience a sudden urge to urinate in addition to frequent urination, particularly during the night. The intense urge to urinate often results in an accidental leakage of urine, which typically stems from a type of urinary incontinence such as stress incontinence or urge incontinence.
What Causes OAB?
There are several reasons as to why an individual may experience symptoms related to overactive bladder, including:
- A worsening urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bladder stones
- Physical inability to reach the restroom in time to relieve your bladder
- Diabetes
- Side effects of your medication
- Enlarged prostate
- Damage to the urinary system, possibly from a prior surgery
- Inability to empty the bladder
- Tumors of the bladder
- Neurological disorders
- Consumption of diuretics such as alcohol or coffee
In order to determine the specific cause of any person’s overactive bladder, a variety of diagnostic tests and assessments may be performed. This is often comprised of a general physical exam, a discussion of your and your family’s medical history, and other tests of the urinary system that include:
- A bladder scan
- Cystoscopy
- A urine culture
- Urodynamic testing
Discussing Treatment with Dr. Nowzari
Depending upon the individual’s unique case of overactive bladder, Dr. Nowzari will recommend a course of treatment that may consist of one single treatment or maybe a combination of several popular treatment methods.
It is typical to begin treating OAB by trying the most minimal treatments at first, and gradually transitioning to more invasive methods if they are required. The severity of the individual’s condition will also factor heavily into this decision. If lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve the patient’s symptoms, then medications, injections, and nerve stimulation therapy will likely be explored as additional options.
In some cases, the cause of a particular patient’s OAB may be unknown, despite the completion of every diagnostic procedure possible. In such instances, it is best to look for ways in which you can manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. It is also possible to lower your likelihood of developing this condition by utilizing the following preventative strategies:
- Do not smoke
- Avoid diuretics like coffee and alcohol
- Stay regularly active
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Address any known health conditions that may influence or worsen your OAB, such as diabetes or neurological disorders
- Utilize pelvic floor strengthening exercises like Kegels
See a Specialist Today
Symptoms of overactive bladder are not likely to go away on their own. Whether your condition is brought on by a simple urinary tract infection or is due to an unavoidable chronic health issue, Dr. Nowzari will be able to provide insight into the cause of your discomfort.
Schedule an Overactive Bladder Treatment Appointment in Torrance, CA
To schedule a consultation with our board-certified urologist, Dr. Farhad Nowzari, please call (310) 921-1100 today and schedule an appointment at our urology clinic in Torrance, CA.