Overactive Bladder Specialist in Hartford, CT
Dr. Gerard Pregenzer utilizes the latest technological advancements available in order to continually provide excellent patient care. If you are experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder and are seeking treatment, contact Pregenzer Urology to discuss how InterStim can relieve your condition. To schedule a consultation for OAB diagnosis and treatment at our urology clinic in Enfield and West Hartford, CT, , please call (860) 962-6600 or request an appointment online!
What Causes OAB?
There are several reasons as to why an individual may experience symptoms related to overactive bladder, including:
- A worsening urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bladder stones
- Physical inability to reach the restroom in time to relieve your bladder
- Diabetes
- Side effects of your medication
- Enlarged prostate
- Damage to the urinary system, possibly from a prior surgery
- Inability to empty the bladder
- Tumors of the bladder
- Neurological disorders
- Consumption of diuretics such as alcohol or coffee
In order to determine the specific cause of any person’s overactive bladder, a variety of diagnostic tests and assessments may be performed. This is often comprised of a general physical exam, discussion of you and your family’s medical history, and other tests of the urinary system that include:
- A bladder scan
- Cystoscopy
- A urine culture
- Urodynamic testing
It is typical to begin treating OAB by trying the most minimal treatments at first, and gradually transitioning to more invasive methods if they are required. The severity of the individual’s condition will also factor heavily into this decision. If lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve the patient’s symptoms, then medications, injections, and nerve stimulation therapy will likely be explored as additional options.
Overactive Bladder
Bladder control problems affect tens of millions of people every day, and many people are reluctant to talk about it.
- Do you go more than 8 times per day?
- Are you urinating often or frequently (i.e., peeing a lot)?
- Do you feel like you have to pee a lot or have urinary urgency in men or women,
- Are you asking yourself “why do I have to pee so much?”
Discussing your symptoms with your physician can be the first step to getting help.
Symptoms of Overactive bladder (OAB)
Urgency - uncontrollable urge to use the bathroom
Frequency – The need to urinate more than 8 times per day
Urge Incontinence - leakage accidents that occur before you reach the bathroom
Urinary Retention – Holding increasingly large amounts of urine
Stress Incontinence - Leaking when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or exercise
Facts about Overactive bladder (OAB):
Ignoring Overactive bladder (OAB) Poses Risks. People with undiagnosed OAB have reported3:
You Are Not Alone – Find Relief for Bladder Control Problems
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a treatable condition. It’s not a normal part of aging. And you shouldn’t have to deal with it on your own. There are many ways to treat incontinence4 and get back to living life.
Lifestyle Changes |
Medication |
Advanced Therapies |
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Can include diet, exercise, bladder retraining (biofeedback), or pelvic floor strengthening (Kegels) |
Medications can control symptoms and are tried first before proceeding to a permanent solution. If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you expected, we can proceed straight to an Advanced therapy. |
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- Stewart WF, Van Rooyen JB, Cundiff GW, et al. World J Urol. 2003;20(6):327-336.
- US Census Bureau 2020. US adult and under-age-18 populations: 2020 census. https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/adult-and-under-the-age-of-18-populations-2020-census.html. Accessed June 20, 2022.
- Leede Research, “Views on OAB: A Study for the National Association of Continence.” December 16, 2015.
- American Urological Association. Diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) in adults: an AUA/SUFU guideline. Published 2012; amended 2014, 2019; accessed August 5, 2020. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/overactive-bladder-(oab)-guideline
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
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Schedule a Consultation with an OAB Specialist in West Hartford, CT Today!
If you are experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder including loss of control, contact Dr. Gerard Pregenzer to discuss your symptoms and the treatment options available. To schedule a consultation at our urology clinic in Enfield and West Hartford, CT, please call (860) 962-6600 or request an appointment online and discuss your OAB diagnosis and treatment.