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Urology

Information for an overactive bladder

Rotherham Hospital Your health, your choice, our passion

What is an overactive bladder?You may have been referred to your doctor because of symptoms suggesting an overactive bladder. The symptoms include:l Needing to pass urine frequently (frequency).l Often needing to rush to get to the toilet (urgency).l Sometimes resulting in leakage of urine if you do not

get to the toilet in time (urge incontinence).

What causes an overactive bladder?In the majority of people we do not have an obvious explanation as to why their bladder has become overactive. There are some conditions which are associated with an overactive bladder such as neurological diseases and injury to the spinal cord.

Do I need to have any tests for my overactive bladder?Not everyone needs investigations for their overactive bladder. Your doctor may, however, wish to carry out an internal inspection of your bladder (cystoscopy) or may wish to perform a bladder function/pressure test (urodynamics) at some point during your treatment.

Information for an overactive bladder

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Information for an overactive bladder

What treatments are available for an overactive bladdder?Bladder retraining exercisesA simple way to treat your problem is to be shown exercises which will train your bladder to hold urine for a longer period of time. These require will power but can be very effective.

MedicinesThere are a variety of medicines available to treat an overactive bladder. Medicines can help to reduce your symptoms, but do not cure the problem.

Botulinum toxin injectionsFor patients who have failed to respond to the above measures to control their symptoms, botulinum toxin (botox) injections into their bladder may be offered.

Botox reduces the activity of the bladder, but once again it is not a cure. It can be effective for a period of 6 to 9 months and will need reinjecting after that if you wish.

The injections are performed through a telescope (cystoscopy) inserted into the bladder under local anaesthetic (awake) or general anaesthetic (asleep).

The procedure takes about 10 minutes and you should be able to return to work in 1 to 2 days.

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Information for an overactive bladder

About 10% of people who have botox injections into their bladder may experience difficulty in emptying their bladder and will need to use an intermittent catheter (a disposable tube) to empty their bladder 3 to 5 times a day until the effects of the botox wear off.

You will receive training and support by the clinical nurse specialist if you have to perform intermittent self catheterisation.

NeuromodulationIf other forms of treatment fail to work you may be offered a form of treatment which involves the use of small electrical wires placed in your lower back (sacrum) to dampen down the activity of the nerves which control your bladder. If a trial run proves to be effective you can opt to have a neuromodular implant (about the size of a small pill box) placed under the tissue of your buttock on a permanent basis. This particular teatment is only offered in a very limited number of centres in the UK.

CystoplastyThis particular procedure is an operation in which a small segment of bowel is used to enlarge your bladder. Up until recently it was the only option available other than medicines for an overactive bladder. It is major surgery, but can be very effective in selected cases. However, it can also have problems associated with it such as infections, bladder stones, mucus in the urine and incomplete emptying.

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Information for an overactive bladder

Useful contact numbersNHS Direct Telephone 0845 4647 Patient Services Telephone 01709 424461Health Info Telephone 01709 427190Stop Smoking Service Telephone 01709 422444A&ETelephone 01709 424455For GP out of hours, contact your surgery

Useful websiteswww.nhs.ukwww.direct.gov.ukwww.therotherhamft.nhs.ukwww.mhm.tvwww.baus.org.ukwww.continence-foundation.org

If you require this document in another language, large print, braille or audio version, please contact Patient Information on 01709 424281.Produced by Mr Edham, November 2006. Revised September 2011Revision due September 2013. Version: 2.0©The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 2011. All rights reserved.

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The treatment for your overactive bladder will involve a discussion with your doctor to determine which options may be suitable for you.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?If you need to contact the Urology Department, please telephone 01709 424582 or contact the Urology Nurses on 01709 424583 (an answer machine may be in use at busy times).

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