About Overactive Bladder (OAB)
You’re not alone. Most people feel uncomfortable discussing bladder control problems with their friends, family and even their doctor. Yet, 1 in 6 adults in the United States deal with overactive bladder and face symptoms such as leaking, urgency and/or frequency.1
Overactive bladder is not a normal part of aging.
Having bladder control problems prevents you from controlling when and how much you go to the bathroom. You may experience unexpected small or large leaks, or use the bathroom very frequently.
There are different types of bladder control problems, including:
- Urgency-frequency (frequent, strong, and sudden urges to urinate and overtly frequent urination - 8 or more times in 24 hours)
- Urge incontinence (strong urge to urinate followed by the involuntary loss of urine)
- Stress incontinence (loss of urine due to physical movement such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting)
- Urinary retention (inability to completely or partially empty the bladder)
Pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, weak pelvic muscles, diabetes, bladder cancer or stones, and neurological disorders can contribute to bladder control problems. Additionally, certain medications can put you at risk.
It's important to know that overactive bladder is a treatable condition. There are treatment options that may help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Talk with your doctor about your diagnosis and treatment options.
Overactive bladder can wreak havoc on active women’s lives.
A recent online survey initiated by the National Association for Continence (NAFC) pointed out the significant impact overactive bladder has on women’s lives.2
Survey participants (American women ages 45-60) reported that their overactive bladder made them:
- alter their behavior in social situations
- refrain from both normal and intense physical activity
- refrain from physical intimacy
- cancel social plans
Survey Results
49% of women surveyed think they will never be able to completely control the symptoms of overactive bladder
26% of the women surveyed are more insecure about managing their overactive bladder symptoms than having enough savings for retirement
Many people with overactive bladder wait before they seek out treatment.
- 78% of the surveyed women who had sought treatment for their OAB said that the years of frustration from living with the symptoms caused them to seek treatment
- 74% of the women surveyed said that they waited longer than they should have to consult a medical professional about OAB after first experiencing symptoms
Many women are not satisfied with the way they currently manage their overactive bladder.
- 22% of the women surveyed were not satisfied with their current OAB treatment
- 44% percent of the women said that they would consider changing treatment after hearing positive things about a different treatment from a physician
88% of the surveyed women who had sought treatment had taken medication to manage their condition, and 51% strengthened pelvic muscles through exercise
- NEXT: Treatment Options
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
References
- Stewart W et al. Prevalence and burden of overactive bladder in the United States. World J of Urol. 2003; 6: 327-36.
- Survey for the National Association for Continence, sponsored by Medtronic, Inc. and conducted by Kelton Research. April 2009. The online survey was conducted using an email invitation, and survey respondents were 611 nationally representative American women ages 40-65 with overactive bladder.
- Bladder control problems affect 1 in 6
adult Americans. - Bladder control problems affects people
of all ages - young and old - both sexes,
and people of all races. - Bladder control problems are not a disease;
it is not part of being a woman; and it is
not a normal part of aging. - Bladder control problems are a symptom
with many causes, so it is important to
talk to your doctor and seek treatment.
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