Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Overactive bladder (OAB) occurs when the bladder muscles contract at inappropriate times, causing urgency, frequency, and leakage. Some patients may feel a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, while others may lose control before reaching the bathroom. OAB can be disruptive to daily life—affecting sleep, work, travel, and overall confidence—but effective treatment is available.

At Advanced Urology Centers of New York (AUCNY), our board-certified urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating OAB with a personalized, patient-centered approach. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying causes and tailor treatment to each individual’s needs. Management options may include behavioral therapies, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and advanced minimally invasive treatments for more persistent symptoms.

Our goal is to not only reduce symptoms but to help patients regain control, restore confidence, and return to the activities they enjoy most.

Overactive Bladder (OAB)

TOBY F. HANDLER, MD, FACS

OAB and urinary incontinence can present with:

  • Frequent urination during the day or night

  • Sudden, strong urge to urinate

  • Involuntary urine leakage (urge incontinence)

  • Difficulty controlling the bladder despite planning bathroom visits

Some patients may also experience stress incontinence, where leakage occurs with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.

OAB and urinary incontinence can present with:

  • Frequent urination during the day or night

  • Sudden, strong urge to urinate

  • Involuntary urine leakage (urge incontinence)

  • Difficulty controlling the bladder despite planning bathroom visits

Some patients may also experience stress incontinence, where leakage occurs with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.

Treatment Options

  • Avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners)

  • Bladder training by spacing out bathroom visits

  • Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight to improve bladder control

Urinary urgency, frequency, and non-obstructed retention can be caused by disrupted communication between the bladder and the brain. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) restores this connection by gently stimulating the sacral nerves. A simple nerve conduction test determines if the treatment will be effective. For many patients, SNM provides results that last five to seven years.

  • Darifenacin (Enablex)

  • Fesoterodine (Toviaz)

  • Mirabegron (Myrbetriq)

  • Oxybutynin (Oxytrol)

  • Solifenacin (Vesicare)

  • Tolterodine (Detrol)

  • Trospium (Sanctura)

  • Botox® injections – administered into the bladder muscle to reduce contractions; results typically last six months

  • Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) – an implanted device that restores communication between the brain and bladder nerves, providing long-term control

  • Percutaneous Tibial Neuromodulation (PTNM) – a minimally invasive office therapy that stimulates the tibial nerve near the ankle; most patients see significant improvement after a 12-week course

  • Stress incontinence surgery – such as pubovaginal sling surgery, offered for patients experiencing leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exertion

Take the Next Step in Your Care

Whether you are experiencing urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort, or women’s health concerns, our team is here to help.

Take the Next Step in Your Care

Whether you are experiencing urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort, or women’s health concerns, our team is here to help.