Overactive Bladder

Symptoms of Overactive Bladder

Most adults urinate four to seven times a day. But some health conditions can send you in search of a bathroom 10, 20, even 30 or more times daily. And that can seriously cramp your ability to do anything else. Whether you're in a business meeting, at a movie, or in the car with your family, you're always thinking about your next bathroom break.

Two bladder conditions that often cause frequent urination are interstitial cystitis (IC) and overactive bladder. Fortunately, both conditions are treatable. First, however, you need to recognize that you have a medical problem and seek help for it. Here are some tip-offs that it may be time to see a doctor.

Treatments for Overactive Bladder

Many people take medication to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with great success. But some put off seeing their doctor to get a prescription that might bring relief. And still others who start medication stop it without ever getting the full benefit. The more you know, the better able you’ll be to make smart choices about medication for OAB.

In a recent study, researchers asked more than 1,300 OAB patients who had stopped taking their medication about their reason for stopping. Nearly half said the medication didn’t help as much as they expected. In fact, while medication can often reduce urine leaks or extreme urges to urinate, it may not stop them completely. Side effects—such as dry mouth, constipation, and dry eyes—may also occur.

Living With Overactive Bladder

Sudden urine leaks or an urgent, frequent need to “go” can be troublesome when you have an active, busy life. The good news is that there are some simple solutions to help keep your bladder in check.