About Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Get everything you need to know about OAB in The Accidental Sisterhood book featured at The Sisterhood Health Forum! Here’s an overview to get you started.
OAB can be urinary frequency, urgency and/or urge incontinence. It’s a urine storage problem in which the bladder contracts suddenly and inappropriately. You feel it as a frequent and overpowering urge to go to the bathroom, night and day, followed by a powerful and uncontrollable bladder contraction.
If the muscles that keep your urethra closed are weak, you won’t make it to the bathroom in time. This is known as overactive bladder-wet. If your muscles are fit and you normally get there in time, this is overactive bladder-dry.
Causes
There are a number of causes for OAB, although its exact cause can’t always be determined with each person. In many cases weakness in the pelvic floor is inherited through generations. A few common reasons include:
- Childbirth, weight gain or any conditions that stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles
- Exposure to bladder irritants such as caffeine or spicy food, emotional stress, or neurological problems
- Menopause can also contribute to the problem
Treatment
Be sure to read The Accidental Sisterhood book featured at The Sisterhood Health Forums for an in-depth look at your treatment options. Treatments include both non-surgical and surgical options.
For OAB, urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence, possible treatments include:
- Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, including the comprehensive program of six exercises featured in The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan.
- Medications to control those sudden bladder contractions. In addition to pill form, these medications are available in a patch.
- A Pacemaker implant technology can be placed to control symptoms related to OAB when other therapies fail.
Always remember that OAB is not normal and you should see a health-care professional to address the problem.
An initial evaluation by your doctor should include, at a minimum, an assessment of the symptoms, a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and a urinalysis to check for blood and infection. The Accidental Sisterhood book and The Sisterhood Health Forums can even help you prepare for your doctor’s appointment by educating you about potential problems and related solutions.
Prevention
Pelvic floor training can’t prevent OAB that may sometimes result from disease or damage to the pelvic floor, but it can help you to better manage the problem as a part of treatment.
The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan details two primary types of pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and four assisting exercises to help you target all the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower abdominals. You can do your Kegels anywhere – in the car, at your desk or during sex! Learn more about how to do a correct Kegel at The Sisterhood Health Forums.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and avoid smoking cigarettes.