Do you experience sudden and constant urges to empty your bladder? Medical CBD may not be the focus of conventional treatment, but it may offer the solution you are seeking.
Overactive bladder, also known as OAB, is a medical condition that affects about 33 million people in the United States. It is a common problem among adults aged 40 and above and occurs more in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
Apart from age and gender, other risk factors for OAB include:
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the cannabinoids (active components) found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Over the past decade, CBD as a treatment has gained popularity, and many believe it can help alleviate symptoms of overactive bladder.
This article examines research-based evidence on whether CBD really improves OAB symptoms or if it’s all hype. Before diving in, let’s define what an overactive bladder is.
Overactive bladder or OAB is the term used to describe a group of urinary symptoms. People with OAB experience sudden and strong urges to urinate, often accompanied by increased frequency of urination.
OAB happens when the nerves and muscles that control the bladder do not work properly, leading to an urgent need to urinate even when the bladder isn’t full.
There are two types of OAB:
Studies indicate that CBD may help with overactive bladder in some people. In 2017, after reviewing three studies with a total of 426 participants, a team of researchers reported that tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol (THC/CBD) capsules and oromucosal sprays significantly improved bladder control issues in OAB induced by multiple sclerosis.
The results of a study published in 2018 also point in the same direction. THC/CBD oromucosal sprays successfully reduced OAB symptoms in 15 patients with multiple sclerosis.
More high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made. However, available evidence suggests that CBD might be an effective and safe treatment option for OAB caused by multiple sclerosis.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) when consumed. The ECS is a complex signaling system made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced naturally in the body), and enzymes responsible for breaking them down.
The two main cannabinoid receptors are:
By binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body, CBD produces certain positive effects that can benefit people with OAB, such as:
CBD reduces neuroinflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate bladder overactivity in patients with neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, which have a high prevalence of neuroinflammation.
The sudden urge to urinate experienced in OAB is caused by the involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle located within the walls of the bladder.
CBD may act on the cannabinoid receptors in the detrusor muscle to prevent it from going into overdrive.
CBD has been shown to have calming effects and can help reduce anxiety. Stress and anxiety worsen OAB, so CBD’s potential to promote relaxation might indirectly alleviate symptoms.
If you’re looking to try CBD for the first time, here are some tips to ensure you do so safely:
An overactive bladder can disrupt your work life, social life, and nighttime rest. For these reasons, it’s important to get a handle on it as soon as possible.
Although there’s currently no cure for overactive bladder, the good news is that you can manage it effectively. The treatment options for OAB can be divided into four categories.
You can implement these changes on your own without visiting the doctor’s office. Consider:
Your doctor may prescribe medications like darifenacin and tolterodine to help control involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle.
Botox treatment is also an option if you don’t respond to oral medication or have a contraindication. Your doctor will inject Botox into your bladder walls to stop the detrusor muscle from contracting too much. The effects of the injection wear off after 6 to 12 months, so you’ll have to repeat the process periodically.
If you’re a woman or person AFAB that has reached menopause, your doctor may recommend estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is a hormone that contributes to the optimal functioning of the urogenital system. After menopause, estrogen production permanently reduces.
Nerve stimulation involves the use of electrical signals to regulate bladder contractions. There are two types of nerve stimulation treatments:
Your doctor will consider surgery as a last resort to treat OAB symptoms. Surgery carries many risks and is only recommended if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
The surgeries used to treat overactive bladder are:
If you’re experiencing OAB symptoms that don't get better with suitable lifestyle changes, it’s best to book an appointment with your primary healthcare provider.
Your doctor is in the best position to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend a suitable treatment plan or refer you to a specialist.
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