While overactive bladder and urinary incontinence have some similarities, the conditions are not the same. They can both negatively affect your overall quality of life though, so it’s important to get help if you experience symptoms of either condition.
Overactive bladder is the sudden, urgent need to urinate throughout the day. Rather than gradually experiencing more and more urgency as your bladder fills up over time, you’ll abruptly feel the need to go to the restroom. This can happen within seconds at home, at work or in public, which can be very frustrating. People suffering from overactive bladder also urinate more frequently than the average person, sometimes more than eight times per day. Many people believe that OAB is a normal part of aging, but that’s a myth. The condition is never normal, no matter your age.
Urinary incontinence is the inability to control your bladder, causing you to leak urine. This can
happen after sneezing, laughing, or coughing, or it may happen while exercising or lifting
something heavy. Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is more common in women than men.
Urinary incontinence may develop during or after pregnancy, and Kegel exercises can
strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and help reduce symptoms. OAB, stress and urge
incontinence can also have a profound impact on quality of life, and impair social and career
life goals.
Many people with overactive bladder also suffer from urgency incontinence and experience
leaking from time to time. It is definitely possible to develop both conditions, and it’s
important to understand that you have nothing to be ashamed of. Both OAB and urinary
incontinence are common conditions, and you do have treatment options. Your doctor will be
able to help you develop a treatment plan that’s best for your unique situation so you can
improve your quality of life.
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will
always be our top priority! Are you suffering from overactive bladder or urinary incontinence?
We can help! Contact us today to schedule your appointment, or book your appointment
online.
