Overactive Bladder Quiz

Some individuals incorrectly attribute frequent trips to the bathroom to too many beverages, aging or just a small bladder. Common signs of overactive bladder (OAB) include frequent urination (more than eight times in a 24-hour period and disturbing sleep several times during a night), overwhelming and unexpected urges to urinate, and an intense fear of not finding a toilet before it’s too late. Even though OAB is commonplace, enduring the symptoms is neither necessary nor normal.

Stroke, dementia and multiple sclerosis also can cause OAB, according to the National Association for Continence.

Although OAB is considered a type of incontinence, not all people with OAB experience incontinent episodes or wetting accidents, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. About 60 percent of people with OAB experience frequent urination and/or an overwhelming, sudden urge to urinate. Fewer than half -- about 40 percent -- of people with OAB also lose control of their bladder and involuntarily release urine. So, even those who make it to the bathroom in time may have OAB if they are experiencing the symptoms of frequency and urgency.

While it is more common for women to experience OAB after menopause, women -- and men -- of any age can be affected by OAB. No matter what the age of the person with OAB, it should never be considered a natural consequence of aging. Remember, you are never too old to get help.

Loss of bladder control doesn’t just happen to older women who exercise -- more than 40 percent of elite, competitive female college athletes have urinary incontinence. Sufferers of OAB often limit or cease their exercise routines because of the condition.

OAB sufferers are likely to avoid fluids before travel, going to bed and leaving the house. Drinking less liquid can cause dehydration -- a dangerous condition in which the body’s water levels drop below the range within which tissues can function properly. Severe dehydration requires hospitalization, and is a primary cause of falls among elderly people.

More than half of all sexually active women with bladder control problems also experience sexual difficulties. It is common for women with bladder control problems to urinate upon penetration, or leak or empty their bladder during orgasm. Women with OAB are likely to avoid sexual relationships because of fear of potentially embarrassing situations that could occur.

More than half of women with bladder control problems think their symptoms are affecting their work and social relationships. Women with OAB often become preoccupied with hiding their condition -- constantly checking clothes for wetness, attempting to mask urine smells with perfume, and frequently visiting -- or worrying about their next visit to -- the bathroom, all of which make normal work and social activities difficult.

OAB is treatable, and people with the condition have more and better options today than in the past. A number of treatments are available, including new, well-tolerated medications with fewer side effects. If you think you have OAB, discuss your symptoms with a doctor.