Overactive bladder is a common urological condition that affects around 33 million people every year. According to EPIC research conducted across five countries namely Germany, Italy, the UK, Canada, and Sweden, the prevalence of OAB across the world is estimated to be at around 11.8%. In contrast, the NOBLE study in the United States reports a higher prevalence of over 16%.
Despite the huge prevalence of this condition, overactive bladder is a manageable and often treatable condition with proper and right care. However, the high cost of treatment i9n countries like the UK, US, and Poland remains a great concern. As a result, people from around the world are increasingly in search of cost-effective alternatives abroad, particularly in Turkey.
Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya offer advanced healthcare infrastructure, internationally trained urologists, and lower treatment costs. These cities are also rich in culture and history, making them ideal for medical tourism. Overactive bladder treatment in Turkey combines affordability with the best quality care, offering patients both financial relief and high treatment success rates.
People often confuse overactive bladder with urinary incontinence. While the two conditions share some common symptoms, they are not the same. If you're experiencing frequent urination or a strong, sudden urge to urinate and are wondering whether you should consider overactive bladder treatment in Turkey, it's important to first understand the signs of OAB. Here are some typical indications for OAB treatment:
These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life and routines. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the discomfort caused by OAB can bemanaged and reduced.
Lifestyle changes and bladder training can both help in managing the symptoms of overactive bladder. However, when these symptoms become severe or start interfering with daily life, medical and surgical treatments become necessary. Turkey offers a range of advanced and affordable OAB treatment options. Here are some of the most common:
Behavioural therapy is often the first treatment option for patients with an overactive bladder. It involves techniques such as bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, scheduled voiding, and dietary adjustments. Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, along with timed voiding, can help reduce urgency and frequency. These modifications can greatly improve symptoms when followed consistently.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications are prescribed to help relax the bladder muscles and reduce symptoms. Common drugs include antispasmodics and anticholinergics medications like Oxybutynin, Tolterodine, Solifenacin, and Fesoterodine. Beta-3 agonists such as Mirabegron are also effective and tend to cause fewer side effects. These medications help increase bladder capacity and reduce frequent urges to urinate.
Botox injections are used to paralyze overactive muscles in the bladder and thereby reduce urgency and incontinence. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure is effective for several months and can be repeated as and when needed. It is recommended for patients who do not respond well to oral medications.
PTNS is a non-surgical treatment method that uses mild electrical impulses to stimulate the tibial nerve near the ankle. These signals affect the nerves controlling bladder function, helping restore normal activity. Performed once a week for 30 minutes over several weeks, PTNS is well tolerated and suitable for patients who prefer non-drug options.
SNS, or sacral neuromodulation, is a procedure that puts a small device under the skin near the lower back to send electrical signals to the sacral nerve, which controls the bladder. This option is considered when conservative treatments fail to work and is more invasive than PTNS but offers long-term results.
Some patients with OAB experience urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying. In such cases, intermittent catheterisation helps by allowing complete bladder drainage at regular intervals. This prevents discomfort, infections, and pressure build-up in the bladder.
The procedure of cystoplasty increases the bladder’s capacity using tissue from the intestine. It is recommended for severe cases where conservative and less invasive treatments have failed. While effective, it requires hospitalisation and long-term follow-up for success.
If all other treatments have failed and the quality of life is severely impacted, bladder removal is an option. After removal, a neobladder or a urinary diversion is created to allow urine to exit the body. These are complex surgeries but can provide long-term relief for chronic & treatment-resistant OAB.
It can be hard to get help for an overactive bladder, especially when you're in another country. Here's a step-by-step guide to how OAB treatment usually goes in Turkey, from the first visit to the follow-up care:
■ Step 1: A doctor assesses your symptoms, reviews medical history, and checks for any underlying conditions.
■ Step 2: Tests like urinalysis, bladder scans, and urodynamics help confirm OAB and rule out infections, stones, or other bladder issues.
■ Step 3: Treatment Procedure:
■ Step 4: Postop care is extremely important in case of surgical treatments and include regular check-ups, symptom tracking, and possible medication or therapy adjustment.
Recovery after an overactive bladder treatment in Turkey depends on the type of procedure underwent. While non-surgical treatments such as Botox injections or nerve stimulation generally involve minimal downtime, surgical methods like bladder augmentation or reconstruction require a longer healing period. In most cases, doctors recommend resting for about 3 to 6 weeks to allow the body to heal properly before resuming your normal activities. During this time, patients are advised to avoid strenuous physical activity, and they will receive specific instructions regarding when they can safely return to exercise or engage in sexual activity. Turkish doctors and hospitals offer comprehensive post-treatment care, including follow-up consultations and remote support for international patients.
Turkey is a popular place for medical tourism, as the overactive bladder treatments here are not only high-quality but also very affordable compared to many Western countries. Patients often have to pay a lot of money for treatment in places like the U.S., the UK, or Australia. Because of this, Turkey has emerged as a cheaper option that doesn't sacrifice quality. In the U.S., the average cost of OAB treatment is between $10,000 and $50,000. It can reach $50,000 in the UK, depending on the approach taken. Turkey, on the other hand, offers the same treatments for a lot less amount, between $2,000 and $5,000. Turkish hospitals offer modern medical facilities, internationally recognised doctors, and great patient care at prices that are easy on the wallet. Patients also get to experience Turkey's rich culture and natural beauty while they are there, making it a great place to go for both treatment and travel. Turkey's overactive bladder treatment price is lower than that of many other Western countries. However, for Western countries, the cost is a significant concern. Therefore, a lot of people every year fly to affordable options like Turkey for their overactive bladder treatment. Here is a brief cost comparison of overactive bladder treatment in Turkey.
| Country | OAB Treatment Cost |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Europe | $12,000 - $30,000 |
| UK | $5,000 - $30,000 |
| USA | $10,000 - $50,000 |
Knowing about the possible cost of your overactive bladder treatment is essential to prepare yourself financially for the treatment you are undergoing. Turkish hospitals offer highly effective and efficient treatment for overactive bladder and other urological problems at an affordable price. Turkey is not only a healthcare hub but also a perfect vacation spot that you can explore during your treatment at an affordable price.
Choosing the right country is essential for an effective overactive bladder treatment. Turkey is considered one of the best countries around the world for getting overactive bladder treatment, and for good reason. It offers state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, advanced treatment methods, and therapies that help patients manage the symptoms of overactive bladder effectively.
Turkish hospitals are equipped with modern technology, and the urologists and medical professionals are highly trained, with years of international experience. Their expertise ensures that patients receive high-quality care tailored to their needs. One of the reasons to choose Turkey is the combination of world-class treatment and cost-effectiveness. Patients can access top-tier medical care at comparatively lower prices than in many Western countries, without compromising on quality.
Overactive bladder treatment in Turkey is a great option for both short-term and long-term symptom relief. It costs much less than treatment in many Western countries.
Turkey is home to a high number of JCI-accredited hospitals and internationally trained urologists. These facilities are equipped with the latest medical technologies, ensuring safe, accurate, and effective diagnosis and treatment for overactive bladder conditions.
One of the key advantages of choosing Turkey is affordability; patients can receive high-quality overactive bladder treatment at prices up to 50% lower than in countries like the UK or the US. For example, while treatment in the UK might cost over $10,000, the average price in Turkey ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the procedure and clinic.
This cost advantage is driven by government investment in healthcare, lower operational expenses, and a competitive medical tourism market. In addition to receiving world-class care, international patients can enjoy exploring Turkey’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and world-renowned cuisine, all while undergoing treatment.
| Country | OAB Treatment Cost |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Europe | $12,000 - $30,000 |
| UK | $5,000 - $30,000 |
| USA | $10,000 - $50,000 |
Istanbul ought to be the first destination on your list of locations to see in Turkey. The centre of the European economy, Istanbul is the largest city in the continent and is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Turkey's biggest and busiest airport is in Istanbul. With this and other tourist attractions, visitors from all over the world come to the city to enjoy its history and culture.
To travel to Istanbul for an overactive bladder treatment, one needs to obtain a medical visa. For all of its patients, CureTurkey offers comprehensive assistance with obtaining a Turkish medical visa. When applying, the following points should be considered:
Turkey does not require a visa for nationals of a number of European nations, according to the European Economic Alliance. In a 180-day period, many Europeans can obtain a visa upon arrival for stays of up to 90 days.
Numerous historical landmarks, a thriving cultural scene, mouthwatering food, and an engaging nightlife can all be found in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey. From its architecture and stunning surroundings to its UNESCO sites and lively bazaars, Istanbul has a lot to offer everyone. The following places are a must see for anyone thinking about getting overactive bladder treatment in Turkey:
Don't worry if you don't know where to start or what to look for. Once in Istanbul, you can set up your desired timetable for medical treatment.
