About Overactive Bladder
The following is a list of questions to ask your doctor About Overactive Bladder  as well as tips for preparing for these conversations.

What could be causing my bladder symptoms?

here are many different causes of bladder control problems and knowing the type of problem you have will help determine the most effective treatment. Bladder symptoms can originate in the urinary structures themselves or as a result of signals from the brain that tell the bladder how to behave. Bladder control problems can also be caused by certain medical conditions, certain medications, impaired mobility and bladder irritants in food, particularly caffeine.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • List all the prescription, over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements you are taking
  • Make a note of the type and amount of fluids in your diet
  • Determine how much caffeine you consume each day <
  • Gather all past medical records

What are the symptoms of OAB?

Normally, the muscle and nerves of the bladder let the brain know your bladder is full, and the urine stays put until you decide to go to the bathroom. But in people with OAB, the muscles that control the bladder, particularly the detrusor muscle, are "overactive," which makes them contract involuntarily. People with OAB can experience the sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate (urinary urgency), an increase in urinary frequency, nighttime awakenings (nocturnal urination) and urine leakage (incontinence). Although it is most common in older people, OAB can be found in men and women as young as 40.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • Note the time of day of each urination
  • Note if you had a sudden urge to urinate that came without warning
  • If there was leakage, note how much and what you were doing when it happened
  • Note if your bladder still felt full even after urination
  • Note any episodes of pain during urination orburning or blood in the urine <
  • Keep a diary over a few days listing the characteristics of your bladder symptoms

What medical tests will I need?

There is no one test to diagnose OAB, but your doctor will decide what tests are appropriate based on your symptoms. After a full physical examination, urinalysis and rectal examination is performed, some people may require additional tests. These include bladder ultrasound, cystoscopy (to visualize the inside of the bladder) and urodynamic testing (to measure the functioning of the lower urinary tract).

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • Gather all past medical records, and laboratory and procedure test results

Is there anything I can do to decrease symptoms?

Many people find they can control bladder symptoms with lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine and controlling fluid intake. In addition many people find they can gain control over urine leakage by strengthening pelvic floor muscles using pelvic-floor muscle exercises. Bladder retraining techniques, such as breathing through the urges, and using biofeedback or distraction methods may also help people overcome strong urges to void. People can use behavior modification techniques in combination with medications that treat OAB symptoms.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • List activities you are currently involved with and note how well they are working
  • Note if there are any physical limitations you might have that would prevent you from engaging in certain exercises
  • List any food allergies or dietary restrictions you may have
  • Examine your diet to evaluate the amount of fluids and caffeine you are consuming <

What medications can help?

There are a variety of medication types that can be used to treat OAB. Medications designed specifically for OAB interfere in some way with the chemicals (neurotransmitters) that signal the muscles in the bladder to contract or relax. The drugs most often prescribed for OAB work on the receptors predominantly involved with muscle contraction and relaxation (muscarinic receptors). Since these medications act both on the receptors found on the bladder and elsewhere in the body that also have a particular affinity for these chemicals, unwanted side effects may be experienced. Sometimes it is necessary to switch to another medication or choose a medication that is more selective in blocking only bladder-specific receptors, which can reduce some of the side effects. Medications approved for the treatment of other conditions may also work to treat symptoms of OAB. People with certain medical conditions will not be able to take these medications.

How you can prepare for this discussion

  • List all the prescription, over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements you are currently taking
  • Make note of when a side effect has prevented you from continuing a drug therapy
  • Make a list of all drug sensitivities you have experienced in the past
  • List all health conditions including eye diseases
  • Determine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
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