Overactive Bladder: How to Solve “I need to go right NOW!”?
The answer may be to train your bladder. Read on…
What is an overactive bladder?
Do you often get a sudden, difficult to deter, urgent sensation to pass urine, thinking thoughts such as “I have to go to the toilet right now!!” This can happen to both females and males and it can be quite distressing. It often leads to increased levels of anxiety and even to preventing us from leaving the house or engaging in social activities.
The detrusor is the muscle around your bladder which is sensitive to stretch. Once the detrusor detects a large amount of urine in your bladder it will contract, sending a message to your brain to tell you to go to the bathroom to urinate. Normally this occurs when there is around 400-500mls of fluid in your bladder. However, in an overactive bladder, the detrusor can contract when there is a small amount of urine in your bladder or in response to ‘triggers’ such as drinking caffeinated drinks, hearing running water, standing in line at the grocery store.
Overactive Bladder Treatment: Training
Bladder training involves teaching the bladder “calming” and “urgency-suppression” techniques to try to desensitise the bladder wall to stretch – to allow the bladder to be more compliant. This involves practicing the bladder’s response to ‘triggers’ and using timed voiding strategies.
Our experts in Men’s and Women’s Health physiotherapy are highly-trained and compassionate, and can help you regain more control over your bladder and your life. Give us a call today on 9252 5770 to book an appointment, or email reception@ssop.com.au for more information.
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