About Overactive Bladder
Overactive Bladder
Most people feel uncomfortable discussing bladder control problems with their friends, family and doctor. But for every Australian suffering from any of the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), there are millions of others. Over 5 million Australians deal with bladder incontinence, which includes OAB types such as urgency frequency and urge incontinence,1 defined as urgency frequency and urge incontinence.
Definition
Having an overactive bladder prevents patients from controlling when and how much they urinate. They may experience unexpected small or large leaks, or use the bathroom very frequently.
Symptoms
There are different types of overactive bladder:
- Frequent urges to urinate (urgency-frequency)
- Inability to hold urine/leaking (urge incontinence)
Risk Factors
Pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, weak pelvic muscles, diabetes, bladder cancer or stones, and neurological disorders can contribute to OAB. Additionally, certain medications, high calcium levels, constipation, or inactivity can put people at risk.
Diagnosis
Talk to a doctor about the symptoms and how they affect daily life. A doctor will make a diagnosis based on the symptoms.
Are Bladder Control Issues Affecting Quality of Life?
To understand how bladder control symptoms are impacting quality of life, download the Bladder Symptom Questionnaire, complete the form and discuss the results with a healthcare professional.
References
1
Key Statistics. Continence Foundation of Australia website. Available at: https://www.continence.org.au/pages/prevalence-and-economic-impact-of-incontinencein-australia-deloitte-access-economics-2010.html. Accessed Sept 18, 2019.