An overactive bladder is a condition that is caused by frequent contractions of a muscle surrounding the bladder, which causes people to have to go to the bathroom frequently, according to the Urology Channel. The condition is more common among older individuals, including elderly men, because they often develop health conditions that lead to an overactive bladder.

Risk Factors

Men who have a pelvic or abdominal injury, bladder stones, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, bladder or prostate cancer, a stroke, diabetes or an enlarged prostate have an increased risk of developing an overactive bladder.

Symptoms

An overactive bladder causes men to have a frequent need to urinate, especially at night; a persistent urge to urinate; urine leakage; frequent urinary tract infections and/or urinary incontinence.

Diagnosis

Doctors usually perform a medical history and physical examination to diagnose an overactive bladder in men. Sometimes physicians use specialized urodynamic tests, such as a uroflometry, cystometry or electromyography to measure the health and/or emptying ability of a patient's bladder.

At-Home Treatments

Men with an overactive bladder can improve their condition by reducing their caffeine consumption and adding more fiber to their diet. Kegal exercises are floor exercises that can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the bladder.

Medical Treatments

Sometimes doctors prescribe medications, such as tolterodine, oxybutynin, trospium or the botulism toxin, which can help to reduce symptoms of an overactive bladder. Patients with severe forms of overactive bladder sometimes need to undergo surgery to enhance their bladder's urine capacity and/or alter their sacral nerves so that they do not have to urinate as often.

Source:

Urology Channel: Overactive Bladder

Mayo Clinic: Overactive Bladder

MedicineNet; Overactive Bladder; William C. Shiel, Jr.

More Information:

Overactivebladder.com: What is OAB?

Urinary Incontinence

Health Central: Overactive Bladder