A solution for everyone
Although it can be a long road, solutions are available, and each patient can benefit from a therapy adapted to his or her symptoms.
When overactive bladder (OAB) incontinence is secondary to a cause, the cause must of course be treated.
When it is idiopathic, the following treatments are proposed as first-line therapy1:
Behavioural and dietary measures
This involves adjusting diet and fluid intake. It is recommended to cut down on beverages if they are consumed in excessive quantities, and to limit coffee and tea, which encourage urgency. Losing a little weight can also help.
Pelvic floor muscle training
Consists of various exercises designed to improve sphincter strength and bladder control.
Medication
These are usually drugs in the anticholinergic class. Their role is to block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in bladder contractions.
If these treatments fail or are poorly tolerated, other solutions may be proposed as a second-line treatment:
Botulinum toxin injections
into the bladder
These are performed at several points in the bladder wall. Their goal is to reduce uncontrolled bladder contractions and urgency by acting on nerve endings in the bladder wall. This treatment is not permanent and will need to be repeated over time.
Sacral neuromodulation:
This treatment uses a low-intensity electrical current to stimulate the sacral nerves, which play an important role in controlling the urinary and fecal systems. The treatment can be tested by the patient and is reversible.
References
EAU Guidelines on non-neurogenic female LUTS: https://uroweb.org/guidelines/non-neurogenic-female-luts
The information presented on this website is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.