Goa, August 2025 – Overactive Bladder (OAB) is becoming an increasingly common concern among men in Goa, particularly those with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) linked to prostate enlargement. While the exact number of OAB cases in the state is not publicly documented, urologists report that men regularly present with symptoms at leading hospitals and clinics.
OAB is characterised by sudden and frequent urges to urinate, often accompanied by incontinence. These symptoms can disrupt work, leisure, and sleep, significantly reducing quality of life. International and Indian studies indicate that between 16 and 53 percent of adults over the age of 40 experience OAB symptoms. In men, a considerable proportion of cases are related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which obstructs the flow of urine and forces the bladder to work harder.
Goa’s healthcare infrastructure is well-equipped to diagnose and manage OAB, with facilities such as Manipal Hospitals and Pai Hospital offering urology services, alongside specialist clinics across the state. Patients most commonly report urgency, frequency (more than eight times in 24 hours), and nocturia (waking multiple times at night to urinate).
“The connection between prostate enlargement and overactive bladder is well-established,” explains Dr. Ritvij Patankar, MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology), Consultant Urologist, Porvorim, Goa. “When the prostate enlarges, it can narrow the urinary passage, forcing the bladder muscles to contract more strongly to push urine out. Over time, this overactivity can cause the sudden urges and incontinence associated with OAB. The good news is that early diagnosis and lifestyle modification, combined with appropriate medical or surgical treatment, can bring symptoms under control. Prevention is always better than cure — the earlier men seek help, the better their chances of avoiding long-term complications.”
Dr. Patankar, a respected urologist with years of experience in managing prostate disorders and bladder dysfunction, emphasises that OAB is not simply an inevitable part of ageing. “Many men delay seeking help because they feel urinary issues are a normal consequence of getting older. But untreated OAB can lead to repeated urinary tract infections, disturbed sleep, and a major impact on physical and mental health. There is no reason to suffer in silence.”
In addition to prostate enlargement, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, neurological conditions, and hormonal changes can all contribute to OAB symptoms. Goa’s urologists highlight that diagnosis should involve ruling out infections, checking for structural abnormalities, and identifying other medical conditions such as diabetes that can worsen bladder control.
Preventive measures recommended by specialists include staying physically active, avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, managing constipation, and seeking early evaluation for urinary changes. Regular health check-ups for men over 40 are also encouraged to detect prostate enlargement before it leads to bladder overactivity.
Residents experiencing urinary urgency, frequent urination, or disturbed sleep due to bladder symptoms are advised to consult a urologist promptly. Early intervention, Dr. Patankar stresses, can improve quality of life, protect bladder health, and prevent the escalation of symptoms.