Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No
Skip to main content

Overactive Bladder Specialist

Urology Associates Medical Group

Urologists located in Burbank, CA

Patients with an overactive bladder experience sudden urges to urinate that can disrupt their lives considerably. The doctors at Urology Associates Medical Group can diagnose and treat this condition effectively. Patients in Burbank, California, with symptoms of overactive bladder should call the office to schedule an appointment.

Overactive Bladder Q & A

What is overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder is a condition that causes the patient to have a sudden, strong urge to urinate. In some cases, this urge may be impossible to control, and the patient may experience incontinence.

What causes overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, despite a low volume of urine in the bladder. In some cases, this condition may develop for no apparent reason. However, some risk factors and conditions that may lead to overactive bladder include:

  • Declining cognitive functioning
  • Consuming large amounts of alcohol or caffeine
  • Bladder outflow obstruction
  • Tumors or stones in the bladder
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Certain medications
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological disorders

What are the symptoms of overactive bladder?

Some of the symptoms of overactive bladder include:

  • Urinating at least eight times in a period of 24 hours
  • Sudden urges to urinate
  • Difficulty controlling urination
  • Involuntary loss of urine after experiencing a strong urge to urinate
  • Awakening multiple times during the night to urinate

The severity of these symptoms can vary.

How does Urology Associates Medical Group diagnose overactive bladder?

The doctors at Urology Associates Medical Group may suspect overactive bladder when a patient comes in with unexplained, frequent urges to urinate. To diagnose this disorder, the doctor will begin by reviewing the patient’s medical history and asking specific questions about symptoms. Next, the doctor may order tests to investigate the issue further, such as:

  • Urinalysis
  • Neurological exams
  • Cystometry
  • Physical exams
  • Tests to measure urine flow rate or the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination

What treatments are available?

The treatments recommended to patients with overactive bladder often depend on the factors contributing to the issue. For example, if the patient has a urinary tract infection, antibiotics can clear the infection and eliminate the symptoms. However, patients with overactive bladder related to other causes may need medications, bladder injections, nerve stimulation therapy, or surgery. Certain behavioral therapies may also benefit patients with overactive bladder.