An overactive bladder causes an unstoppable desire to pass urine even when the bladder is filled incompletely. There is a sudden and frequent urge to pass urine. It may be challenging to control urine. You may need to pass urine many times during the day and night. You may also experience an involuntary leakage of urine (urgency incontinence). Women are more often affected than men. The urinary bladder is a muscular sac-like organ. It stores the urine produced in the kidneys until the urine passes out of the body through the urethra. The nerve signal exchange causes the detrusor muscle of the bladder to contract and relax the external sphincter of the bladder on the pelvic floor. This results in a drain out of urine. In an overactive bladder, the bladder muscles contract involuntarily and make the person feel the urge to pass urine.
Role of homeopathy in overactive bladder
Overactive bladder can be effectively treated with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy helps in managing the symptoms of overactive bladder and provides overall relief. Not only are the physical symptoms treated with homeopathy, but it also helps manage mental symptoms associated with overactive bladder.
Six effective homeopathic medicines for overactive bladder
Kreosotum
Common name: Beechwood kreosote
Kreosotum is indicated when there is a very sudden urge to urinate. In such cases, the patient needs to run to urinate. The frequency of urination increases and there is an involuntary urination while lying down or coughing. The urine has a highly offensive odor.
Lycopodium clavatum
Common name: Club moss
Lycopodium is indicated for frequent urination at night. There is a feeling of bearing down on the bladder region and due to the urge to urinate, the patient has to wake up at night. The bladder has stitching pain in some cases. The urine passes slowly along with pressure felt while passing urine.
Mercurius solubilis
Common name: Quicksilver
Merc. sol. is indicated for frequent urination during the day and night. Any delay in passing urine can cause the involuntary leakage of urine. The flow of urine may be scanty or profuse. There is a feeling of soreness in the bladder.
Causticum
Common name: Hahnemann’s tinctura acris sine kali
Causticum is recommended for involuntary passage of urine or urinary incontinence with an overactive bladder. There is a lot of discomfort when it occurs at night or if the patient is walking. There is involuntary passage of urine when you cough or sneeze. After the passage of the urine, the person is prone to experiencing pressure or pulsation that extends from the prostate to the bladder.
Sepia officinalis
Common name: Inky juice of cuttlefish
Sepia is useful when there is a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. There is a constant bearing down sensation with foul-smelling urine that may contain sediments. Symptoms like chronic cystitis (recurrent bladder infection) and sticky urine are also present.
Equisetum hyemale
Common name: Scouring-rush
Equisetum is indicated for frequent and profuse urination. There is a constant feeling of fullness that is not relieved even after the person passes large quantities of urine. Sometimes, urine is passed involuntarily both in the day and at night.
Causative factors for overactive bladder
- An increase in fluid intake
- Obesity
- Urinary tract infections
- Menopause
- Bladder stones
- An enlarged prostate gland
- Multiple sclerosis
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Enlarged prostate in males
- Constipation
- Previous surgery to treat incontinence
- Stroke
- Certain medicines that increase urinary output
- Alcohol and caffeine intake
Signs and symptoms of overactive bladder
- A constant sensation that you need to urinate
- Incontinence of urine
- Frequent urination
- Frequent night-time urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Bedwetting
- Bladder spasm
- Unintentional leakage of urine
Treatment for overactive bladder
Treatment for overactive bladder includes medical management, nerve stimulation, and surgical treatment.
Diet and lifestyle modifications for overactive bladder
- Avoid carbonated and aerated drinks.
- Drink adequate water as required.
- Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
- Avoid irritants like citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
- Learn pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and manage urinary issues.
- Follow a bathroom schedule to avoid urinary faux pas.
Conclusion
Frequent urination can become problematic and cause discomfort. An overactive bladder can be managed with conventional treatment and alternative therapies. Seek homeopathic treatment for symptomatic relief from having to urinate continuously.
References
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- Tr DBD, Nair RM, Prathibha D. Homoeopathic management of urinary tract infection by Copaiva officinalis and Equisetum hyemale: A case series. Int J Homoeopathic Sci [Internet]. 2023;7(1):489–94. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.33545/26164485.2023.v7.i1h.795
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