Everything You Need To Know About Overactive Bladder In Women

Effects Of An Overactive Bladder

Having an overactive bladder can cause emotional and physical complications. Emotionally, women experiencing an overactive bladder may feel embarrassed by the frequent disruptions to their lives, and the symptoms they exhibit may cause them to isolate themselves socially and at work. Wherever they go, their first thought may be to wonder where the restroom is in preparation for an emergency trip; it can be distressing to go out in public not knowing if a restroom will be available. There may also be physical complications, including disturbed sleep and deteriorating health as people limit their time spent outside of the home and exercising.

Diagnosis And Treatments For An Overactive Bladder

People who have symptoms of an overactive bladder may be referred by their doctor to see a specialist, such as a urogynecologist, gynecologist, or urologist. These health care professionals can diagnose an overactive bladder and offer appropriate advice and treatment. There are many categories of treatment for overactive bladder, including behavioural methods, medication, and devices and products. Behavioural treatments include dietary and lifestyle changes (for example, avoiding caffeine and spicy foods), exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and bladder training.

Medications include those that help prevent bladder spasms and Botox injections in the bladder muscles. Devices and products include a pessary that is placed into the vagina, which helps prevent leakage, and protective pads to avoid embarrassing situations. Surgical procedures are also available if other treatments do not provide sufficient relief from an overactive bladder.