Overactive Bladder Newcastle
A sudden and urgent need to pass urine, often frequently and sometimes with leakage before reaching the toilet, can take over daily life. Overactive bladder is common, it is not something you simply have to put up with and it responds well to a stepped and consultant-led approach.
What is an overactive bladder?
Overactive bladder, often shortened to OAB, is a condition in which the bladder muscle contracts unexpectedly. This creates a sudden and compelling need to pass urine.
The defining symptom is urgency, which means a need to pass urine that is difficult to delay. This is often accompanied by:
- Passing urine more frequently than usual
- Waking at night to urinate, known as nocturia
- Leakage associated with urgency, known as urge incontinence
For some people urgency and frequency are the main concerns. For others leakage is also present. Either way, symptoms can affect sleep, confidence, work and social life.
Overactive bladder is not caused by infection and is different from stress incontinence, which is leakage during coughing or exertion. It is also not an inevitable part of ageing. It is a recognised and treatable condition.
Treatment follows a logical and proportionate pathway, beginning with conservative measures and moving to more advanced options only if required.
Recognising overactive bladder
Overactive bladder is defined by a cluster of symptoms centred on urgency.
Urgency
A sudden and pressing need to pass urine that is difficult to defer.
Frequency and nocturia
Needing to pass urine far more often than usual and waking repeatedly through the night.
Urge leakage
Leakage that occurs when the urge strikes before reaching the toilet.
How we assess overactive bladder
Assessment aims to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Symptom review
A detailed discussion clarifies the pattern of urgency, frequency and leakage.
Urine testing
A urine sample helps exclude infection or blood.
Bladder assessment
In selected cases further tests such as bladder scanning or urodynamic testing may be recommended. Not every patient needs every test. Assessment is tailored to your symptoms and medical history.
From assessment to treatment
Management usually begins with conservative measures such as bladder retraining, pelvic floor support and adjustments to fluid intake and caffeine.
Where appropriate, medication may be added.
If symptoms persist or medication is not tolerated, more advanced treatments are considered. These include percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, bladder Botox and sacral neuromodulation.
Treatment is stepped and proportionate. Most people improve before advanced options are needed.
A stepped treatment pathway
PTNS
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation provides gentle nerve modulation delivered as a course of short sessions.
Bladder Botox
Botulinum toxin injected into the bladder wall reduces involuntary contractions.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for overactive bladder in Newcastle?
A clear stepped pathway
Treatment progresses logically from conservative care to advanced options when needed.
Most improve early
Many people see significant improvement with bladder retraining and simple measures.
Drug-free options available
Effective alternatives such as PTNS are available for those who prefer to avoid medication.
Consultant-led direct access
You are seen by an experienced urologist throughout and self-referral is welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Is overactive bladder the same as incontinence?
They overlap but are not identical. Overactive bladder refers to urgency and frequency. When urgency causes leakage, this is called urge incontinence.
Is it caused by an infection?
No. Overactive bladder is due to involuntary bladder muscle contractions. Infection is ruled out as part of assessment.
Do I have to take medication?
Not necessarily. Many people improve with conservative measures. Drug-free treatments such as PTNS are available.
Will it worsen with age?
Overactive bladder is not an inevitable part of ageing and it can be treated at any age.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can self-refer and arrange an appointment directly.
Book your urology consultation today
Consultations are available to book online for patients with or without a GP referral. Our private specialists provide world-class care in a discrete environment.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception01189207055
- Location
The Beverley Hospital, The Edge, Fifth Ave, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0XA
