If you have been diagnosed with or think you may have frequency, there are many different types of treatments that may be offered to you, as well as ways of helping yourself. Below you will find a list of some of the common treatments used to help improve bladder frequency.
Please use this information carefully and always speak to your GP or health professional, they can explain what is causing your problem and how the different treatments may help you. They will also talk to you about any side effects; these are extra problems that can be caused by the treatment. Together, you can decide which treatment is the most suitable.
When you are first diagnosed, you will likely first be offered conservative treatment. These might include monitoring your frequency and advice on any lifestyle changes that may help your situation.
If conservative treatments do not have the desired effect, then you may be offered a medicinal alternative or surgery as a last resort. Surgery will not likely be considered unless other treatments have been tried for a length of time without success.
Conservative Treatments
Bladder Diary/Retraining
Bladder retraining is a simple and effective method used for treating frequency and bladder problems. You will be asked to record your bladder habits on a chart and based on the pattern of that chart increase the length of time you empty your bladder by resisting the feeling of urgency/frequency.
Lifestyle, Fluids And Diet
A few small changes to your lifestyle could help to alleviate your bladder frequency symptoms. It is important to make sure that you are drinking enough fluids to avoid bladder irritation and infection. It is advisable to limit your intake of fizzy drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
For more advice on Lifestyle, Fluids and Diet click here.
Tibial Nerve Stimulation
Percutaneous Nerve Stimulation or PTNS as it is commonly known is a treatment that directly stimulates the nerves responsible for bladder control and is a method that can be used to treat frequency.
Medicinal
Betmiga
Betmiga is an oral medication, which acts as a muscle relaxant and can be used to treat frequency and urgency if conservative methods haven’t worked. Some people experience side effects on this medication.
Antispasmodic Medications
There are several medications available which can help prevent spasms of the bladder muscle, which can help reduce urgency and frequency; they belong to a group of medicines known as antimuscarinic or anticholinergic drugs. Below is a list of some medications that may be prescribed and links to more information.
- Darifenacin Hydrobromide
- Fesoterodine Fumarate
- Oxybutynin
- Oxybutynin Transdermal Patch
- Solifenacin Succonate
- Tolterodine
- Trospium Chloride
Surgical
Bladder Augmentation
If conservative treatments and medication have failed then you may be referred to a surgeon to discuss your options. A bladder augmentation is one surgical option available. There are several ways in which this operation can be performed and your surgeon will discuss the best option for you. This operation is considered major surgery and involves cutting the bladder open.
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin or Botox as it is more commonly known is a powerful neurotoxin, which works by blocking the electrical impulses to a nerve, which makes a muscle contract causing muscle paralysis. This is a relatively new treatment licensed to treat bladder overactivity. It will usually only be considered if medications have failed to improve your conditions.
Detrusor Myectomy
A Detrusor Myectomy is a major operation used to treat an overactive bladder with symptoms of urgency and frequency. It involves removing all or part of the outer muscle layer that surrounds the bladder.
Sacral Nerve Stimulation
Sacral Nerve Stimulation or Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) is a device that is implanted under the skin in the upper buttock. It helps by correcting the messages that run along our nerve pathways. SNM is performed in two stages, first you will undergo an evaluation, and then, depending on your results you will be offered the implant.
Further information and downloads can be found in the help and information section. Living with a bladder condition can affect you emotionally and socially; sometimes it can help to speak to others who understand your situation. The Bladder & Bowel Community Forum is available 24 hours today and will allow you to connect with those who share your condition. Start your own topic today or just follow one that interests you.
