Treatment Options for Overactive Bladder

If you are suffering from overactive bladder (OAB), know there are several treatment options. You may need to try a range of treatments until you find something that works for you. If behavioral techniques and medications haven’t worked for you, talk to your doctor to find out if sacral neuromodulation may help control your OAB symptoms.

Behavioral techniques

Some people can reduce their symptoms of overactive bladder with lifestyle changes, fluid and diet modification, bladder retraining, Kegel exercises or other kinds of physical therapy.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help control the symptoms of overactive bladder. Some of these medications focus on the muscles associated with bladder function.

Botulinum toxin injection

Injecting botulinum toxin into the bladder wall may relieve your sense of urgency by preventing the nerves that control the bladder from communicating to the bladder muscles. The effect is temporary and may require repeated procedures.

Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation uses mild electrical pulses to modulate the nerves that control the bladder and the nerves that control the muscles related to urination. It helps the brain and the nerves to communicate so the bladder can function properly. One form of neuromodulation is sacral neuromodulation, or Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy.¹

Surgery

Depending on the nature of your bladder control problems, your surgical options could range from simple, outpatient procedures to invasive surgery requiring hospitalization.

Medical disclaimer

Information contained herein is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events and any further information with your health care professional.