Overactive Bladder: Symptoms and Concerns

Bladder issues?

If the urethra feels warm when not urinating and there are more than 10 trips to the bathroom in a day with a urine volume of about 100-150 cc each time, could this still be overactive bladder syndrome?

Zhu Zhu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/29

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, how much water do you drink? It is recommended that you keep a record of your urination: note the time and amount of water you drink, as well as the time and amount of urine produced, for at least three days, and bring this information to your doctor for reference.
Sometimes, individual factors, such as a high water intake, can lead to increased urination frequency.
According to the standardized terminology proposed by the International Continence Society in 2003, overactive bladder is defined as: 1.
Urgency (a sudden, strong desire to urinate that is difficult to defer) 2.
Urgency incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine following a strong urge to urinate, which may or may not occur together) 3.
Frequency (urinating more than eight times in 24 hours) or nocturia (urinating more than twice at night) 4.
Other conditions or infections must be ruled out first.
If you have concerns, you can visit a nearby medical facility for relevant tests or further treatment.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Taitung Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2015/08/29

More Info

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a frequent and urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by an increase in the number of times one needs to go to the bathroom during the day and night. The symptoms you describe—feeling a warm sensation in the urethra when not urinating and needing to use the restroom more than ten times a day with a urine volume of about 100-150 cc—are indeed indicative of OAB.

In OAB, the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, leading to the sensation of urgency and increased frequency of urination. The normal bladder capacity is typically around 300-500 cc, and the urge to urinate can occur even when the bladder is not full. In your case, urinating more than ten times a day with such a small volume suggests that your bladder is not functioning optimally, which aligns with the symptoms of OAB.

The warm sensation you feel in the urethra could be due to several factors. It might be related to the irritation of the bladder or urethra, which can occur in conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or inflammation. It is essential to rule out any underlying infections or other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
In addition to the physical symptoms, OAB can significantly impact your quality of life. It can lead to anxiety, social withdrawal, and sleep disturbances, especially if you find yourself waking up frequently at night to urinate (nocturia).
Management of OAB typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapies, and medications. Here are some common approaches:
1. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing bladder training techniques can help manage symptoms. Bladder training involves gradually increasing the time between urinations to help the bladder hold more urine.

2. Medications: Anticholinergic medications (like oxybutynin or tolterodine) are often prescribed to help relax the bladder and reduce urgency and frequency. However, these medications can have side effects, including dry mouth and constipation. Beta-3 adrenergic agonists (like mirabegron) are another class of medications that can help relax the bladder muscle.

3. Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor exercises, often referred to as Kegel exercises, can strengthen the muscles that control urination and may help alleviate symptoms.

4. Neuromodulation Therapy: In more severe cases, procedures like sacral nerve stimulation or percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation may be considered to help regulate bladder function.

5. Surgery: In rare cases, surgical options may be explored if other treatments are ineffective.

Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist or a specialist in urinary disorders. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly urodynamic studies, to assess your bladder function and determine the best course of action for your situation.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing are consistent with overactive bladder. It is essential to seek medical advice to confirm the diagnosis and explore appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs. Managing OAB effectively can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of symptoms on your daily activities.

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