Overactive Bladder Diagnosis

It is not unusual for people to be reluctant about speaking with their doctor about bladder-related symptoms. However, working with a physician is important in establishing a diagnosis, ruling out a potentially serious condition, and getting started on treatment.

An overactive bladder (OAB) evaluation will likely include questions about your medical history; a physical exam focusing on the abdomen, genitals, and nervous system; and one or several diagnostic tests. Your doctor will likely request a urine sample for testing and may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Bladder Diary

As part of the diagnostic process, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms. A bladder diary (or voiding diary) can provide useful information. To create a bladder diary, record information about your intake and voiding of fluids over the course of several days.

• Record everything you drink as well as how much and when
• Log when you urinate, how long it takes, and the time between each episode
• Note the severity of the urgency you feel and whether you experience an involuntary loss of urine