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Bladder Q & A

What is an overactive bladder?

When you have an overactive bladder, you’ll often feel a sudden and immediate need to urinate, often when you least expect it. This urge may be difficult to control, and it can sometimes result in incontinence (the involuntary loss of urine).

An overactive bladder can often make it difficult to fully enjoy your daily life, but it can be diagnosed with a simple evaluation. An overactive bladder can also be a symptom of bladder cancer, interstitial cystitis, and other conditions.

How can I treat an overactive bladder or urinary incontinence?

For mild to moderate symptoms of an overactive bladder, behavioral changes and simple steps, such as performing pelvic floor exercises, can be very beneficial. There’s also a variety of medications and treatments Dr. Seskin can provide to help relax your bladder.

One option that is becoming more popular is the use of Botox® injections to paralyze and relax the bladder and surrounding muscle tissue. Many people are familiar with using Botox injections for cosmetic procedures, but the drug’s ability to relax the muscle can make it extremely effective in reducing the symptoms of an overactive bladder as well. This can be especially useful for people with even the most severe incontinence.

Surgery, or options like nerve stimulation, are also available in some cases of an overactive bladder.

How do I know if I have bladder cancer?

Seeing blood in urine is the most common first sign of bladder cancer. This often changes the color anywhere from pink to dark orange or red. The blood may come and go from day to day, but if it occurs more than once, it can be a serious condition. In addition to blood in your urine, you may experience:

• Painful urination

• Frequent urination

• A constant feeling of pressure in your bladder

• An inability to urinate

Once bladder cancer has spread to other parts of your body, it can cause other symptoms as well, such as back pain and unintended weight loss.

Dr. Seskin can diagnose bladder cancer with a simple lab test, so if you experience any of these symptoms, set up an appointment immediately.

Bladder cancer that has not metastasized or spread out of your bladder can usually be treated very effectively with localized surgery and other therapeutic procedures. Sometimes, more extensive surgery may be required, and options, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, may be needed.

For more information on treating bladder conditions, book an appointment over the phone with Seskin Urology today.

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305.792.6905

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