Do You Have an Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder- it affects 1 in 6 adults, and can happen to nearly anyone. What causes overactive bladder, and how do you know if you have it? If you think you may have Overactive bladder (a condition in which you feel the urge to urinate very frequently, even if you really don't have to go), or are unsure, then learn the signs, symptoms, and causes to see if you should be talking to your doctor about this common condition.

Overactive bladder, or OAB, is a condition in which the urge to urinate is frequent, you urinate frequently, or even leak urine without being able to control it. The condition can happen to anyone at any age, and is a painful and embarrassing (and certainly frustrating) condition. But what causes Overactive bladder to begin with? What are the symptoms?

Overactive bladder is most commonly caused by spasms in the bladder that cause the bladder to constrict and expand abnormally. A normal bladder gives the urge to urinate when the bladder is full, whereas an Overactive bladder basically sends out a constant message to go! This can inculde trickling urination, no urination but that urge (spasm) to go, or leaking even as the Overactive bladder places pressure to go. Bladder spams can be caused by foods that irritate the bladder, pressure on the bladder from being overweight or pregnant, or diuretics (like coffee or medications) that cause the bladder to fill and need to eliminate quickly.

Symptoms of Overactive bladder are fairly obvious- the frequent urge to urinate, urinating often with not much urine being passed, leaking urine, or constant pressure of the bladder. If you have suddenly been needing to go more often, then talk to your doctor about possible issues that may be causing your symptoms (such as a urinary tract infection or a medication you are taking) to help rule out issues and help you find relief.

Overactive bladder is common and can be successfully treated, usually by lifestyle changes (drinking less or more water, cutting back on certain foods, or even losing weight) and with medications that calm the bladder muscle. If Overactive bladder is a concern of yours, then write your symptoms down and check with your doctor to rule out symptoms and find a proper treatment for you. 1 in 6 adults actually has this condition, and yes, it can be treated successfully.

Source:

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