Overactive Bladder (OAB) In Aurora, CO
Living with urgency, frequency, or bladder leakage that disrupts your daily life? Call Modern Urology to schedule your overactive bladder evaluation.
What Is Overactive Bladder?
Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder muscle contracts unexpectedly, causing a sudden and intense urge to urinate that can be difficult to control. OAB is an umbrella term that covers urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and urge urinary incontinence. It affects both men and women and can develop at any age, though it becomes more common with aging.
People with OAB often describe needing to use the bathroom far more often than their friends or family. Some have experienced urinary frequency since childhood or were bed-wetters as children. Many say they know the location of every restroom in the stores and restaurants they visit because they constantly need to plan around bathroom access.
The urgency associated with OAB can be intense. Patients describe suddenly feeling the need to rush to the bathroom with little warning. In some cases, leakage occurs on the way to the restroom before they can get there in time. This is called urge urinary incontinence.
Leakage can also be triggered by specific situations: pulling into the driveway, stepping into the bathroom, hearing running water, or unlocking the front door. These “trigger” episodes are a hallmark of OAB. Many patients also deal with nocturia, waking up multiple times during the night to urinate, which disrupts sleep and contributes to daytime fatigue.
OAB is different from stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which causes leakage during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Some patients have both conditions at the same time, which is called mixed urinary incontinence.
What Causes Overactive Bladder?
Overactive bladder can result from a range of factors, and in many cases no single clear cause is identified. For patients dealing with overactive bladder in Aurora, CO, Dr. Fronczak at Modern Urology conducts a thorough evaluation to determine what may be contributing to OAB symptoms and to rule out other conditions that mimic overactive bladder.
Common causes and contributing factors include nerve damage from surgery, injury, or conditions such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Hormonal changes during and after menopause can thin the bladder and urethral tissue in women, increasing urgency and frequency. In men, an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the bladder and worsen OAB symptoms. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, certain medications, and chronic constipation can also play a role.
In some patients, the bladder muscle simply becomes overactive without an identifiable cause. Regardless of the underlying reason, overactive bladder is a treatable condition with multiple effective options.
How Is Overactive Bladder Diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective OAB treatment. Modern Urology uses a thorough, multi-step evaluation process to confirm that symptoms are truly caused by overactive bladder and not by another condition that requires different treatment.
The evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and a conversation about your symptoms, including how often you urinate, how urgently you feel the need to go, whether you experience leakage, and how these symptoms affect your daily routine. Dr. Fronczak will review your medications, fluid intake, and any prior treatments you have tried.
Urine testing checks for infections, blood, or other abnormalities that could explain your symptoms. A bladder ultrasound measures the amount of urine remaining in your bladder after voiding (called post-void residual), which helps identify whether your bladder is emptying properly.
You may be asked to keep a voiding diary for several days, recording when you urinate, how much you void, fluid intake, and any leakage episodes. This diary gives Dr. Fronczak a detailed picture of your bladder habits.
In some cases, a cystoscopy (a direct look inside the bladder with a small camera) or urodynamic testing (which measures bladder pressure and function) may be recommended to gather additional information. Dr. Fronczak explains every test and why it is needed before proceeding.
Behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications are the first step in overactive bladder treatment, and for many patients they provide meaningful relief without any medication or procedures. Modern Urology starts with these conservative approaches because they carry no side effects and give patients direct control over their symptoms.
Bladder training involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits. Instead of rushing to the restroom at the first urge, patients learn urge suppression techniques that help them delay voiding and slowly retrain the bladder to hold more urine comfortably. Over weeks, the intervals between bathroom trips increase, and urgency episodes decrease.
Timed voiding sets a regular bathroom schedule regardless of whether the urge is present, which helps prevent the bladder from becoming too full and triggering urgency.
Dietary modifications can make a significant difference. Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners, and spicy or acidic foods can irritate the bladder and worsen OAB symptoms. Reducing or eliminating these triggers often produces noticeable improvement.
Fluid management ensures patients drink enough to stay healthy without overfilling the bladder. Spreading fluid intake evenly throughout the day and reducing intake in the evening can help with both daytime frequency and nocturia.
Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles that help control urination. When these muscles are stronger, they can better resist the sudden contractions that cause urgency and leakage. Dr. Fronczak may recommend working with a pelvic floor physical therapist for guided training.
When behavioral changes alone are not enough, medications can help calm the overactive bladder muscle and reduce urgency, frequency, and leakage episodes. Dr. Fronczak discusses all medication options with each patient at Modern Urology, including how they work, what side effects to expect, and how to choose the best fit.
There are two main categories of OAB medications:
Anticholinergic medications work by blocking nerve signals that cause the bladder muscle to contract unexpectedly. Common anticholinergics include oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin, darifenacin, and fesoterodine. These medications can be effective but may cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and in some cases cognitive effects, particularly in older adults.
Beta-3 agonist medications work differently by relaxing the bladder muscle during filling. Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) and vibegron (Gemtesa) fall into this category. They tend to have fewer side effects than anticholinergics and are often better tolerated, especially in older patients.
Dr. Fronczak helps patients weigh the benefits and side effects of each option and adjusts the treatment plan as needed. Not every medication works for every patient, and sometimes trying a different medication or combining approaches is necessary to find the right solution.
For patients who do not get adequate relief from behavioral therapy and medications, or who experience unacceptable side effects, third-line interventions offer the next step.
When behavioral therapy and medications do not provide sufficient relief, advanced interventions can deliver significant, lasting improvement. Modern Urology offers all major third-line OAB treatments, and most are performed in the office. Nitrous oxide sedation is available to keep patients comfortable during in-office procedures.
Botox for Overactive Bladder
Botox is one of the most effective treatments for overactive bladder. It works by relaxing some of the bladder muscles that contract to release urine, calming the overactive signals without shutting down bladder function entirely.
The procedure is performed in the office at Modern Urology. The bladder is temporarily numbed with local lidocaine, and patients can choose nitrous oxide sedation for additional relaxation. Dr. Fronczak uses a small scope with a camera to see inside the bladder, then injects Botox into the bladder wall using a very tiny needle.
Botox typically takes about two weeks to reach full effect. Most patients notice a significant reduction in urgency, frequency, and leakage episodes. The effects last approximately six months, though some patients experience relief for up to a year. When symptoms return, the procedure is repeated.
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
PTNS is a low-risk, needle-based treatment that works similarly to acupuncture. It is available for both men and women and involves no surgery, no implant, and virtually no side effects.
During each session, a tiny acupuncture-style needle is placed just above the inner ankle bone near the posterior tibial nerve. A mild electrical current stimulates the nerve for 30 minutes. The stimulation is not painful. Patients typically feel a gentle buzzing or tingling in the toes, and the toes may curl slightly.
When the posterior tibial nerve is stimulated, it sends calming signals to the bladder control center in the spine, reducing the overactive bladder response. Results build over time. Most patients notice improved symptoms after 8 to 9 treatments, with success measured by a 50% or greater reduction in OAB symptoms. The standard protocol is 12 weekly treatments followed by maintenance sessions every 6 to 8 weeks.
Sacral Neuromodulation
Sacral neuromodulation is one of the most effective long-term treatments for overactive bladder in both men and women. The technology has been used for over 25 years and continues to improve with each generation.
The system consists of a small battery implanted in the upper buttock below the belt line, connected to a thin electrical lead that stimulates a nerve in the sacrum (lower spine) that controls bladder activity. The gentle stimulation calms the overactive bladder signals. In patients who also experience stool leakage, the device can improve bowel incontinence as well.
Both the battery and the lead are MRI compatible. Current batteries last 15 years or more, meaning patients rarely need replacement procedures.
Before committing to the full implant, patients undergo a simple office-based trial. A temporary test lead is placed near the sacral nerve and left in place for about one week. Patients track their symptoms during the trial period. The test lead is removed as easily as peeling off a bandage. If the trial produces meaningful improvement, the full system is implanted in the operating room in a procedure that typically takes less than an hour.
eCoin Tibial Nerve Implant
The eCoin is a newer FDA-approved overactive bladder treatment that represents the next step in tibial nerve stimulation technology. It involves implanting a coin-sized battery near the inner ankle to continuously stimulate the posterior tibial nerve, calming the bladder without the need for weekly office visits.
The eCoin works on the same principle as PTNS but eliminates the inconvenience of repeated needle placement and regular in-office appointments. Once implanted, it delivers ongoing stimulation automatically. Dr. Fronczak actively evaluates emerging OAB technologies like the eCoin to ensure patients at Modern Urology always have access to the latest proven options.
Why Choose Modern Urology for Overactive Bladder Treatment in Aurora, CO
Modern Urology offers something that most larger practices and hospital-based programs do not: a single physician who manages your entire OAB treatment journey from the first evaluation through long-term follow-up. Dr. Fronczak treats every patient personally, building continuity of care that leads to better outcomes and a more comfortable experience.
The practice covers the full treatment ladder for overactive bladder. Many urology offices offer only one or two options and refer patients elsewhere for the rest. At Modern Urology, behavioral therapy, medications, Botox, PTNS, sacral neuromodulation, and eCoin are all available under one roof. Dr. Fronczak starts with conservative approaches and only progresses to interventions when simpler options have not delivered adequate relief. This step-by-step method ensures patients are never pushed toward procedures they do not need.
Nitrous oxide sedation is available for in-office OAB procedures, making treatments like Botox injections and PTNS sessions more comfortable for patients who feel anxious about bladder procedures. Many people delay necessary treatment because they are nervous about the process. Nitrous sedation removes that barrier.
Dr. Fronczak also stays current with emerging technologies. Offering the eCoin and continuously evaluating new OAB treatments means patients at Modern Urology have access to options they may not find elsewhere in the Aurora and Denver metro area.
What does overactive bladder feel like?
Overactive bladder typically involves a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to ignore or control. You may feel like you need to rush to the bathroom with very little warning. Some people leak urine on the way to the restroom. Others notice that certain triggers, like hearing running water, pulling into their driveway, or unlocking their front door, set off an urgent need to void. Frequent daytime urination and waking multiple times at night are also common. If these symptoms sound familiar, a urological evaluation can determine whether OAB is the cause.
Can overactive bladder be cured?
Overactive bladder can be very effectively managed, and many patients achieve significant or even complete relief from symptoms. The key is finding the right treatment or combination of treatments for your specific situation. Some patients do well with behavioral changes alone, while others benefit from medications or advanced interventions like Botox or sacral neuromodulation. Dr. Fronczak works with each patient at Modern Urology to build a plan that targets their symptoms and adjusts it over time as needed.
Does Botox for overactive bladder hurt?
Most patients report that bladder Botox is far less uncomfortable than they expected. Before the procedure, the bladder is numbed with local lidocaine, and patients at Modern Urology can also choose nitrous oxide sedation for additional relaxation. The Botox is injected through a tiny needle during a brief in-office procedure. Patients typically describe mild pressure rather than pain. The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Many people who were initially anxious about the procedure say afterward that the relief they experience makes it well worth it.
How long does sacral neuromodulation last?
Sacral neuromodulation provides long-term symptom relief. Current devices use batteries that last 15 years or more, which means most patients go many years without needing any additional procedures after the initial implant. Before receiving the full implant, patients complete a one-week office-based trial to confirm the therapy works for them. If the trial is successful, the permanent device is implanted in a procedure that takes less than an hour. Both the battery and the lead are MRI compatible.
What is the difference between overactive bladder and stress incontinence?
Overactive bladder causes urgency-based symptoms: a sudden, strong need to urinate, frequent bathroom visits, and leakage that occurs when you cannot reach the restroom in time. Stress urinary incontinence causes leakage during physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. The two conditions have different causes and require different treatments. Some patients experience both at the same time, which is called mixed incontinence. Modern Urology in Aurora, CO evaluates the specific type of incontinence and creates a targeted treatment plan for each.
Does insurance cover overactive bladder treatment?
Most health insurance plans cover the evaluation and treatment of overactive bladder, including office visits, diagnostic testing, medications, and medically necessary procedures like Botox and sacral neuromodulation. Coverage details vary by plan, so it is a good idea to check your specific benefits before your appointment. Modern Urology’s office staff can help answer questions about insurance and billing for OAB treatment.
How long does it take for OAB treatment to work?
Timeline depends on the treatment. Behavioral therapy produces gradual improvement over several weeks of consistent practice. Medications typically take one to two weeks to show initial effects, with full benefit developing over four to six weeks. Botox takes about two weeks to reach full effect after injection. PTNS builds results over 8 to 12 weekly sessions. Sacral neuromodulation provides improvement during the one-week trial period, with ongoing benefit from the permanent implant. Dr. Fronczak sets clear expectations about timing for each treatment so patients know exactly what to expect.
Do I need surgery for overactive bladder?
Most patients with overactive bladder do not need surgery. Modern Urology’s approach starts with behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, then moves to medications if needed, and only progresses to advanced interventions when conservative options have not provided adequate relief. Even the third-line treatments (Botox, PTNS, and eCoin) are minimally invasive and performed in the office rather than the operating room. Sacral neuromodulation does involve a minor surgical procedure for the implant, but it is only recommended after a successful trial confirms it will work. You will never be pushed toward a procedure before simpler options have been tried.