Although it may be extremely common, overactive bladder is the most misdiagnosed condition in men.
In general, older women are more likely to have overactive bladder, but a recent representative cohort study indicates that the number of men with overactive bladder is increasing significantly. The extensive research, published in Scientific reports, Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to establish recent trends in overactive bladder among adult American men.
Results of the study, conducted by Stanford Health Care, show that prevalence increased from 11.3 percent in 2005 to 14.5 percent in 2020, with the greatest effect among non-Hispanic white and Black men ages 40 to 59.
“Overactive bladder is common in both men and women, but I haven’t seen an increase in prevalence among men in my practice,” said Dr. Craig Comiter, professor of Urology at Stanford Health Care. “We are an aging population and overactive bladder is becoming more common in men, not because of the environment, but because there is more awareness and detection.”
Why do men have overactive bladder?
Experts say that while it may be extremely common, overactive bladder is the most misdiagnosed condition in men. According to doctors, most men may be less likely to report symptoms due to embarrassment.
Additionally, some age-related prostate problems cause overactive bladder symptoms in men, who think it’s a normal part of aging. Statistics indicate that benign prostatic hyperplasia (a condition that causes an enlarged prostate that is not caused by cancer) affects about 14 million men in the U.S.
What is an overactive bladder??
Overactive bladder is a common condition that causes a sudden and frequent need to urinate, including at night. It may occur along with leakage or stress urinary incontinence.
According to experts, symptoms of overactive bladder can cause stress and affect quality of life. Causes are often associated with faulty nerve endings between the bladder and the brain or overactive bladder muscles. Risk factors include:
- Neurological disorders
- Hormonal changes
- Weak pelvic muscles
- Urinary tract infections
- Certain medications such as diuretics and antidepressants.
- Diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord
Signs and symptoms of overactive bladder
Some signs and symptoms of overactive bladder include:
Urinary urgency
Urinary urgency is a sudden, uncontrollable need to urinate. Once you feel the need to urinate, you have little time to get to the bathroom.
Urinate frequently
If you need to urinate frequently, it means you have symptoms of overactive bladder.
Urge incontinence
It is a sudden and uncontrollable need to urinate, and may also cause leakage.
Ways to fix an overactive bladder
You can make many changes to your behavior to help correct your overactive bladder. These include:
- Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and drinking.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Taking medication for the disease
- Perform pelvic floor exercises
- Surgery, when advised by doctors.
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