Overactive Bladder Treatment in Birmingham
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a very common condition characterised by a sudden, compelling urge to urinate that is difficult to control, often accompanied by urinary frequency and nocturia. It affects up to 17% of the adult population and can significantly impact daily life and quality of sleep. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, offers expert assessment and treatment for overactive bladder at private hospitals across Birmingham.
Symptoms of OAB
- Urinary urgency (sudden, compelling urge to urinate)
- Urinary frequency (urinating 8 or more times in 24 hours)
- Nocturia (waking from sleep to urinate 2 or more times per night)
- Urgency urinary incontinence (leaking urine before reaching the toilet)
Causes
OAB is caused by involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle (the bladder wall muscle). It may be associated with BPH, neurological conditions, urinary tract infections, certain medications or ageing, but in many cases no underlying cause is identified.
Treatment Options
Management follows a stepwise approach:
- Lifestyle modifications: Fluid management, reducing caffeine and alcohol, bladder diary and bladder retraining.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Effective for urgency and urgency incontinence.
- Oral medications: Antimuscarinics or beta-3 agonists (mirabegron) to reduce bladder muscle overactivity.
- Bladder Botox injections: Botulinum toxin injected into the bladder wall under cystoscopy to reduce detrusor overactivity. Highly effective, with results lasting 6 to 9 months.
- Sacral neuromodulation: A small device implanted near the sacral nerve to modulate bladder signals. Suitable for refractory OAB.
- Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS): A non-invasive outpatient nerve stimulation treatment.
Book an OAB Consultation in Birmingham
No GP referral is required. Mr Shahzad is recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. Book an appointment or contact us.