Overactive bladder is a common condition that over 33 million Americans of all ages face. Getting up to urinate often at night, the sudden urge to urinate, leaking urine, wetting accidents and frequent urination are not normal. These are all symptoms of overactive bladder, and contrary to popular belief, the condition has nothing to do with aging.
Many people believe that leaking, wetting accidents and problems urinating are normal things that just start happening as we get older, but that’s just a myth. Overactive bladder is never normal. The good news is overactive bladder can be treated, and you can go back to feeling like yourself again.
Most cases can be treated with medication, behavior modification and simple changes in diet. However, in the rare case that these treatments aren’t successful, overactive bladder can be treated with sacral nerve stimulation with Interstim.
If you think you may be suffering from OAB, begin keeping a voiding diary at home. Write down information such as how much you drink, when you urinate, how much you urinate and whether or not you feel an urgent need to go each day. Set up an appointment with your urologist as soon as possible for an examination and testing. Your daily log will help your doctor get a better understanding of your specific symptoms.
You don’t have to live in Poise pads or Depend guards. Don’t view overactive bladder as something you just have to deal with, because you do have options.
