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Overactive Bladder / OAB – Doctor and Condition

Overactive bladder / OAB is a problem with bladder storage and is felt as a sudden urge to urinate. Overactive bladder may lead to involuntary urinary loss or incontinence.

Common Symptoms and Related Terminology:

Description of the Problem:

Overactive bladder / OAB may be an embarrassing situation for some people to discuss with their doctor. It is important though to talk with your physician, as overactive bladder can be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions. As you age, you may experience overactive bladder due to neurological issues, enlarged prostate, diabetes, lower back issues, or other causes. There is often a solution to overactive bladder leakage.

Overactive Bladder Differential Diagnosis (What else could it be?):

Overactive Bladder Evaluation:

Overactive bladder evaluation will include a history and physical with your physician. They may ask about your eating / drinking habits to determine if you are consuming large amounts of caffeine, or other urinary bladder irritants. A urinalysis may be done to check for infection, which sometimes causes overactive bladder. Tests such as urodynamic studies may be performed to determine your bladder’s ability to empty completely. Specialized tests may include the following: measuring urine flow rate, testing bladder pressure, measuring bladder nerve impulses, creating images of bladder function, looking inside your bladder, or sacral nerve stimulation tests.

Overactive Bladder Treatment:

Overactive bladder treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your overactive bladder. Medication, physical therapy, exercises, such as Kegel, or surgery are options for overactive bladder. Overactive bladder can often be treated and pad use can become a thing of your past!

Overactive Bladder Summary:

Overactive bladder is a general term that encompasses many different problems that all lead to the urgent need to void and the sudden loss of urine. This type of leakage can result from several different problems. Tests can lead to the correct diagnosis and the underlying problem can often be improved or even cured.

Other Possible Related Terms / Things to Search: