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Overactive Bladder Assessment Quiz:
Use this quiz as a self-assessment of your conditions to see if it's time to talk to your doctor if you think you
might have overactive bladder disorder. This is not meant as a diagnosis tool because only a medical professional
can provide an accurate diagnosis.
- 1. Do you have a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate (urge incontinence)?
YesNoWhile this is a sign of overactive bladder disorder, or OAB, it is a shared symptom of many other conditions.
- 2. Do you urinate frequently, usually eight or more times a day?
YesNoFrequent urination isn't just a sign of getting older. It could be a treatable condition, like OAB.
- 3. Do you awaken two or more times a night to urinate?
YesNoThis is another common sign of OAB. It can cause you to lose sleep, but it can be preventable.
- 4. Do you sometimes not make it to the bathroom in time?
YesNoBladder leakage following an intense urge to urinate is a symptom of OAB and other urinary conditions.
- 5. Is the frequent urination disrupting your life?
YesNoUrinating frequently can make you think twice about what you'll be doing and how to excuse yourself from a social situation.
- 6. Do you feel uncomfortable going to new places because you don't know
where a
bathroom is? Do you avoid long car trips, going out or other events where you might not get to a bathroom quickly?
YesNoOAB and other urinary disorders can have a major impact on how adventurous you feel. With a diagnosis and right treatment, you can regain your willingness to explore new things without fear of embarrassment.
- 7. Are you taking any diuretics or medications containing caffeine?
YesNoCaffeine and certain medications can cause you to urinate more frequently. Side effects can be confused with OAB.
- 8. Are you over the age of 40?
YesNoOAB affects 1 in 5 people over the age of 40, totaling 34 million Americans.
- 9. Do you feel pain in your pelvic area when you have to urinate?
YesNoIf you experience pain when the urge hits, there is a better chance you could suffer from Interstitial Cystitis. While OAB has urges to go, they don't come with pain.
- 10. Do you have bladder leaks when laughing, coughing or sneezing?
YesNoThis is a sign of Stress Incontinence, which is different from OAB.
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it might be
time to talk to your doctor.
OAB is a common disorder than can be treated with diet, exercises, medications and even surgery.
Use these questions and Healthline's Doctor Discussion Guide to help you talk openly to your doctor.
If you answered "no" to all of these questions, then it appears you don't
suffer from any OAB-like symptoms. Keep up with your good urinary tract health in your younger years to prevent
problems in the future.
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Written by: Brian Krans
Written: June 29, 2010 Last Updated: June 29, 2010 Published By: Healthline Networks Inc. |
Table of Contents
·OAB: A Game Plan
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