All Posts tagged OAB

The feeling of having to go all the time can be frustrating and disruptive. There is no need to feel embarrassed or to feel like you need to hide your suffering. Feelings of frequent urination, or experiencing the sudden urge to urinate that you can’t control, also known as overactive bladder (OAB), is more common than you may realize. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that approximately 33 million Americans have overactive bladder, and that at least 40 percent of all women in the United States live with OAB symptoms. If you are suffering from OAB, know that you are not alone, and that there are solutions to help you manage your symptoms and start taking back control of your schedule.

The Causes of Frequent Urination
There are a variety of factors that could be causing your frequent urination in women, including:

• Type I or type II diabetes.
• Pregnancy.
• Stroke or other neurological diseases.
• A urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Bladder cancer.
• Bladder dysfunction.
• Radiation therapy.
• Interstitial cystitis, a condition characterized by pain in the bladder and pelvic region and frequent urination.
• The use of diuretics, which are medications used to treat high blood pressure or fluid buildup that often result in frequent urination.

The Causes of OAB
OAB occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily even when the volume of urine in your bladder is low, creating an urgent need to urinate. Conditions that cause OAB include:

• Diuretic use.
• An acute UTI.
• Constipation.
• Excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
• Declining cognitive function due to aging.
• Incomplete bladder emptying.
• Difficulty walking which can lead to bladder urgency if you’re unable to get to the bathroom quickly.
• Bladder abnormalities including tumors or bladder stones.
• Neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, strokes, and multiple sclerosis.
• High urine production which may be the result of high fluid intake, poor kidney function or diabetes.

Treatment Options
Know that you do not need to suffer from frequent urination or OAB. Treating the underlying cause of your condition, such as diabetes or a UTI, will help to manage your symptoms. In addition, behavioral therapy treatment options for OAB include the following:

• Bladder retraining. Increasing the intervals between using the bathroom over a 12-week time period can help retrain your bladder to hold urine longer.
• Diet modification. Avoiding foods that may act as diuretics can reduce symptoms. Such foods include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, tomato-based products, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods. Eating high fiber foods can also alleviate symptoms of constipation, which can be a cause of OAB.
• Mange your fluids. Drink enough water to prevent constipation, but avoid drinking fluids right before bedtime.
• Kegel exercises. Strengthen the muscles around the bladder and urethra by exercising your pelvic muscles.

Whether you are suffering from frequent or accidental urination, talk to your doctor today. He or she can help you to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and together you can develop a treatment plan that will help you to take back control and manage your trips to the bathroom.