Get the Facts on Male Overactive Bladder Management

Posted on October 30, 2025 by root

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that affects millions of men worldwide, leading to frequent and urgent urination, often accompanied by incontinence. Despite its prevalence, many men remain unaware that they can seek effective treatments.

Dr. Justin Houman, a leading men’s health urologist in Los Angeles, sheds light on this important topic, helping men recognize the signs of OAB and explore various effective management strategies.

Understanding Male Overactive Bladder

A study of NHANES 2005-2020 data found that the prevalence of overactive bladder among men in the US increased significantly from 11.7% in 2009-2014 to 14.5% in 2015-2020. More recent research indicates the prevalence of OAB is estimated to affect approximately 16% of men aged 40 and over. This condition occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract inappropriately, leading to an urgent need to urinate, sometimes even when the bladder is not full.

Signs You May Have OAB

• Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more than eight times a day.
• Urgent Need to Urinate: A sudden and compelling urge that may be hard to control.
• Nocturia: Waking up multiple times at night to urinate.
• Incontinence: Leakage of urine associated with a strong urge to go.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. Dr. Houman can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized management plan.

How Dr. Houman Can Help

Managing male overactive bladder requires a tailored approach that focuses on both immediate relief and long-term management. Here are some of the treatments available:

1. Behavioral Modification Techniques: These include bladder training and scheduled voiding. Patients can learn techniques to stretch the time between bathroom visits while also retraining the bladder to reduce urgency. Keeping a diary to track symptoms can also be beneficial.
2. Advanced Medication Options: Several medications are available to help manage OAB symptoms. Anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists are commonly prescribed to help relax bladder muscles and increase bladder capacity. Recent studies have shown that these medications can significantly reduce the frequency and urgency of urination.
3. Botox® Therapy for the Bladder: Botox® injections into the bladder muscle can help reduce involuntary contractions. This outpatient procedure has been shown to improve symptoms of OAB dramatically and can last for six months or more.
4. Nerve Stimulation Treatments: Neuromodulation therapies, such as sacral nerve stimulation, can help manage OAB by influencing the nerves that control bladder function. A small device is implanted to send electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, helping to restore normal bladder function.
5. Minimally Invasive Surgical Solutions: In cases where other treatments have failed, surgical options such as bladder sling procedures or augmentation cystoplasty may be considered. These options aim to provide significant symptom relief and improve quality of life.
6. Ongoing Support and Management: OAB is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Houman will enable adjustments to treatment plans based on the patient’s progress and any new developments in their symptoms.

FAQs About Male Overactive Bladder

What causes an overactive bladder in men?

OAB can be caused by various factors, including age, prostate problems, neurological disorders and even certain medications.

Is overactive bladder the same as incontinence?

While OAB is characterized by the frequent urge to urinate and sometimes includes incontinence, not all men with OAB will experience leakage.

Are there lifestyle changes that can help with OAB?

Yes, lifestyle modifications such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy diet and doing pelvic floor exercises can help manage symptoms.

How is OAB diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, a review of symptoms and possibly some tests (such as urinalysis and a bladder diary) to rule out other conditions.

How long does it take to see improvement from treatment?

Improvement timelines can vary. Patients may start to notice changes within a few weeks of starting treatment, especially with medications or behavioral techniques.

Beverly Hills Male Overactive Bladder Management

Overactive bladder can be a challenging condition for many men, but with proper management and treatment, it is entirely possible to regain control over bladder function and enhance overall quality of life. Dr. Justin Houman is dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs.

If you suspect you might be experiencing symptoms of OAB, don’t hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards effective management. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone—support is available, and improvement is possible.
Posted on behalf of Justin Houman MD