Unstable or Overactive Bladder Incontinence
Unstable Bladder / Overactive Bladder /Detrusor Instability (DI)
Detusor Instability otherwise known as the Unstable Bladder or Overactive Bladder is caused by an overstimulation of the muscle that surrounds the bladder. Normally this muscle, called the Detrusor Muscle, should remain calm until you decide it is time to go to urinate. When we are toddlers we are training ourselves to control the bladder. An overactive bladder is embarrassing, and can control your life, as you are afraid to wander too far from the nearest bathroom. Overactive bladder is when the bladder muscle contracts unpredictably, causing frequent urination or the sudden, strong urge to urinate with or without leakage of urine. This medical condition affects more than 13 million men and women in the United States,. and can be considered “wet overactive bladder” or “dry overactive bladder”. Wet overactive bladder, sometimes referred to as urge urinary incontinence, affects more than 9 percent of women and is defined as urinary urgency that leads to leakage of urine. Dry overactive bladder affects more than 7 percent of women and is defined as urinary urgency and frequency without leakage of urine.
Symptoms of Unstable Bladder / Overactive Bladder /Detrusor Instability (DI)
The most common symptom of an unstable bladder is urinary urgency, described as a sudden, intense desire to urinate. Urgency may occur with (wet overactive bladder) or without (dry overactive bladder) leakage of urine. This urgency can occur in specific situations like hearing the sound of running water or touching running water, washing your hands, doing dishes, or getting close to a bathroom. With wet overactive bladder, a person may be unable to stop leakage before reaching the toilet and they typically urinate prematurely in large amounts. Some other symptoms are described as urinary frequency, urinating more than eight times per day and nocturia, which is being awaken by the urge to urinate more than one time per night.
Cause of Unstable Bladder / Overactive Bladder /Detrusor Instability (DI)
Involuntary bladder muscle contractions as the bladder fills, due to the bladder nerves malfunctioning are typical causes of Unstable Bladder or DI. Risk factors include age, high BMI, pelvic surgery, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of an unstable bladder can also be related to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or bladder tumors.
Diagnosis of Unstable Bladder / Overactive Bladder /Detrusor Instability (DI)
Our comprehensive Urodynamic Testing along with a physical exam with Dr. Erhard can help make the diagnosis! We can offer real solutions that will allow you to reclaim your life!
Treatment Options for Unstable Bladder / Overactive Bladder /Detrusor Instability (DI)
Non-surgical treatment options include:
Kegel exercises
Pelvic floor therapy
Low-dose vaginal estrogen
Overactive bladder medications
Surgical treatment options include:
InterStim™ Therapy
Sling
