What is Overactive Bladder?

How Many Times is it Normal to Urinate at Night?

Frequent Urination at night is most common in women as they age. In a 2004 study co-authored by Natalie Drake and fellow Duke University researchers, it was shown that “the risk of nocturnal polyuria increased with age 65 years or older (prevalence for age 65-74 = 0.86 [0.62-1.00]) and with white race”. To further understand these findings we need to define the differences between nocturia, nocturnal polyuria (NP), and overactive bladder (OAB).

When your body produces large amounts of urine usually in excess of 2 liters or 2 quarts per day it is known as Polyuria. When you generate about the same quantity at night that is called Nocturnal Polyuria which is a condition in which 33% of your total daily urine output occurs at night. In both you have the urge to urinate more frequently than normal.

This excess urination is different from the urge to urinate in the condition of Overactive Bladder. In Overactive Bladder, you suffer from early and controlled spasms of the bladder muscle giving the sensation or feeling of having to frequently urinate when the bladder is not really full. This may happen in the daytime but it can occur at night as well.

Many women are unaware that even though it is common as we age, it is not normal and can be quite disruptive to schedules, intimacy, relationships and cause stress and emotional problems.

Knowing your symptoms and if it is time to contact your healthcare provider is critical. Since there could be underlying disease that needs addressing such as diabetes, bladder cancer or other conditions, you need to be aware of your symptoms to take early corrective treatment.

How Do I Know If I Have Overactive Bladder or Nocturnal Polyuria?  

In the Duke study the survey below was used to identify women who were experiencing the symptoms of overactive bladder or nocturnal polyuria.

If you think you may be experiencing OAB or NP, this helpful checklist may signal your need to see your physician or medical provider.

Symptoms of Overactive Bladder May Include the Following:

  • Experiencing uncontrollable urges to urinate
  • Having to urinate frequently
  • Two or more nighttime bathroom trips to urinate
  • Leakage of urine prior to getting to the bathroom
  • Dribbling after urination

How Leaking Urine and Urinary Incontinence Happens in Women

What can complicate an already frustrating condition of OAB is a condition known as Urinary Incontinence where urine may leak from the bladder unexpectedly. Often you feel embarrassed and may cause your life to be disrupted in unpleasant ways. When you have to constantly be searching for a bathroom or be limiting the amounts of fluid in unhealthy ways this can be life changing and disruptive.

Women often experience this condition as they age or after pregnancy. Both the thinning of tissues in the aging process as well as weakening of the muscles that control bladder function can be the culprits.

At times, many women may develop what is known as urge and stress incontinence simultaneously. While urge incontinence is typically only the frequent sensation to urinate, stress incontinence is the loss of urine as you exercise, cough or sneeze or any situation where pressure is placed on your bladder.

How Can I Stop My Urine Leakage?

At Practice Happiness, Dr. Natalie Drake, OB-GYN of the Woodlands, Texas, (vaginalrejuvenationtx.com) offers a new non-surgical treatment, ThermiVA to address many women’s symptoms of urinary incontinence. Many women have found wonderful relief with only a few treatments.

ThermiVA uses controlled radiofrequency energy to transfer heat to vaginal tissues in order to stimulate collagen production. This technology has become the standard of care for non-surgical solutions to urinary incontinence. As the tissues begin to build new collagen strands, this strengthens the support columns and improves the integrity of the skin. This treatment is the first and only temperature controlled radio frequency system being used non-surgically in aesthetics.

With ThermiVa, there is no down time or need for anesthetics. Patients report the procedure as comfortable and are happy with the results. While each patient outcome may vary, most patients see an immediate improvement following the procedure.

Tips for Prevention of OAB

  • Quit smoking
  • Limit daily amounts of caffeine and alcohol intake
  • Regular exercise including pelvic floor strengthening such as Kegel
  • Screen for other disorders that may affect OAB such as diabetes and sleep apnea
  • Review medications with your healthcare provider

Tips To Manage OAB and Nocturia

  • Nocturia is a common condition in individuals 60 years old and above
  • Voiding diaries are essential for diagnosis
  • Consider alternative diagnoses
  • Management of nocturia is frequently nonsurgical
  • Several therapeutic options are available

How Can I Stop My Frequent Trips to the Bathroom at Night?

Here are some additional tips to lower the chances of increased urine output at night especially if you suffer from Overactive Bladder condition. These may also help decrease urine production in Nocturnal Polyuria as well as long as there is not an underlying disease present.

  1. Reduce your fluid intake 6 hours before going to bed
  2. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
  3. Compression stockings for certain diagnoses
  4. Biofeedback
  5. Pelvic floor exercises
  6. Continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis

Let us help stop your frequent trips to the bathroom! Call (346) 298-7880 to make an appointment today.