Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. About 33 million Americans have overactive bladder. Thirty percent of all men and 40 percent of all women in the United States live with OAB symptoms. But the number of people suffering from OAB is most likely much larger. That’s because many people living with OAB don’t ask for help. Some are embarrassed. They don’t know how to talk to their healthcare professional about their symptoms. Other people don’t ask for help because they think there aren’t any treatments for OAB

Overactive bladder risk factors include:

• Age.
• Those who have suffered a stroke.
• Those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Symptoms of overactive bladder

The main symptom of overactive bladder is a strong and sudden urge to urinate. This causes many people to feel as though they will leak urine if they do not get to a bathroom. Some people do leak urine after experiencing this feeling.

How is overactive bladder diagnosed?

Overactive bladder is not hard to diagnose, but there are a few exams that can be performed to determine why this is happening, including:

• General exam and medical history.
• Bladder diary.
• Urine culture.
• Bladder scan.
• Cystoscopy.
• Urodynamic testing.

How is overactive bladder treated?

Some of the treatment options include:

• Dietary changes.
• Smoking cessation.
• Physical therapy.
• Medicine.
• Surgical treatments.
• Managing leaks with certain products or devices, including Botox.

Your healthcare provider will be able to offer insight as to which option is best for you.

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