Regain Control with Expert Urologic Care for Foreigners

If you’re constantly feeling the urge to urinate—even when your bladder isn’t full—you may be dealing with overactive bladder (OAB – 과민성 방광, gwaminseong banggwang). OAB can affect both men and women and often interferes with sleep, work, travel, and social activities. Fortunately, if you're a foreigner in Korea, specialized clinics like Gangnam J Urology Clinic offer modern, discreet, and effective treatment for OAB using Korea’s advanced medical technology and structured care systems.

What Is Overactive Bladder and What Are the Symptoms?

Overactive bladder is a functional bladder disorder characterized by sudden and frequent urges to urinate. It is not caused by infection or an anatomical abnormality, but by the bladder muscles contracting involuntarily.

Core Symptoms of OAB:

• Urgency: A sudden, strong need to urinate that's hard to delay
• Frequency: Urinating more than 8 times in 24 hours
• Nocturia: Waking up more than once during the night to urinate
• Urge Incontinence: Unintended leakage of urine immediately after feeling the urge (in some cases)

Common Contributing Factors:

• Aging bladder muscles
• Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
• Diabetes
• Bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., BPH in men)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Hormonal changes in postmenopausal women

OAB can be frustrating and embarrassing—but it’s manageable with the right treatment.

OAB Evaluation in Korea: Fast, Private, and Thorough

At Gangnam J Urology Clinic, OAB diagnosis is efficient and designed for maximum comfort and privacy:

1. Symptom Consultation and Voiding Diary:
   The doctor will ask about your urinary habits, fluid intake, and bladder control. You may be asked to keep a 2–3 day urination log.
2. Urinalysis (소변 검사):
   Helps rule out infection, blood, or sugar in the urine.
3. Bladder Ultrasound (초음파):
   Measures bladder wall thickness and post-void residual volume.
4. Uroflowmetry:
   A test to evaluate urine flow speed and pattern—important to rule out obstruction.
5. Urodynamic Testing (if needed):
   Assesses bladder pressure and capacity, confirming involuntary muscle contractions typical in OAB.

Overactive Bladder Treatment in Korea: Modern and Multimodal

Korea’s urology clinics offer a layered approach to managing OAB—from lifestyle strategies to advanced procedures.

1. Behavioral and Lifestyle Management:

• Bladder Training: Scheduled voiding intervals to build bladder capacity
• Fluid Timing: Adjusting when and how much you drink
• Dietary Adjustments: Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel-based training to support bladder control

2. Medications:

• Anticholinergics (e.g., tolterodine, solifenacin): Help relax the bladder muscle
• Beta-3 Agonists (e.g., mirabegron): Improve bladder capacity without anticholinergic side effects
• Combination Therapy: Sometimes used for more severe or resistant symptoms

3. Advanced Interventions (if medications fail):

• Botox Injections in the Bladder (방광 보톡스): Temporarily paralyzes overactive bladder muscles to reduce urgency
• Nerve Stimulation (PTNS or SNS): Electrical stimulation of sacral or tibial nerves to modulate bladder activity
• Surgical Options: Rarely needed but available for severe, treatment-resistant cases

Why Choose a Clinic Like Gangnam J for OAB Treatment?

• Urology-Focused Expertise: Clinics specialize in diagnosing and treating bladder dysfunction in both men and women.
• Modern Diagnostics: Clinics are equipped with ultrasound, flowmetry, and urodynamic equipment.
• Stepwise Approach: From conservative management to advanced therapies, all treatment levels are available.
• English-Speaking Support: In Gangnam, clinics often have bilingual doctors or staff for a smooth patient experience.
• Discreet and Comfortable Setting: Designed for sensitive consultations and privacy throughout the evaluation process.

Estimated Cost of OAB Treatment in Korea

With NHIS Coverage:

• Consultation: ₩5,000 – ₩20,000
• Urinalysis: ₩3,000 – ₩7,000
• Bladder Ultrasound: ₩15,000 – ₩40,000
• Uroflowmetry: ₩10,000 – ₩25,000
• Medications (monthly): ₩5,000 – ₩20,000
• Botox or Nerve Therapy (co-pay): ₩100,000 – ₩300,000
  Total (with NHIS): ₩30,000 – ₩400,000 depending on severity and treatment level

Without NHIS (Out-of-Pocket):

• Consultation: ₩50,000 – ₩100,000
• Urinalysis: ₩10,000 – ₩20,000
• Ultrasound: ₩50,000 – ₩100,000
• Uroflowmetry/Urodynamics: ₩70,000 – ₩200,000
• Medications: ₩10,000 – ₩30,000/month
• Botox Injections: ₩800,000 – ₩1,500,000
  Total (without NHIS): ₩150,000 – ₩2,000,000+

When to Seek Help for Overactive Bladder

You should see a urologist if:

• You urinate more than 8 times a day or wake multiple times at night
• Urgency disrupts your daily life
• You experience unexpected urine leakage
• Symptoms haven’t improved with lifestyle changes
• You’re embarrassed or anxious about bladder control



Overactive bladder can feel isolating—but it’s treatable. In Korea, clinics like Gangnam J Urology Clinic offer compassionate, step-by-step care to help you manage symptoms, restore confidence, and improve quality of life. With English-friendly services, modern facilities, and expert providers, you’ll find the support you need to take control of your bladder health—starting today.