Overactive Bladder – Diagnosing The “Hidden Condition”
Do you find yourself too embarrassed to discuss your overactive bladder, or OAB, with your doctor? You’re not alone. Over 33 million people in the US alone are affected by bladder incontinence and urine leakage. Many of these folks have to get up every hour or so during the night to visit the bathroom.
You’d think that more people would be demanding treatment for such a common condition. But the truth is that many people are reluctant to discuss this problem with their doctors. This is why it’s called the “hidden condition.”
But do you really have overactive bladder syndrome? The best way to find out for sure is to schedule a check-up with your doctor so you can find out what’s causing you to urinate frequently.
Diagnosing OAB
Your doctor will want to have answers to the following questions:
- Are you leaking urine?
- How often do you have to go to the bathroom?
- How long has this been going on?
- Do you have any pain while urinating?
- Are you taking any medications? Which ones?
- Have you had surgery recently, or have you been sick?
The best way to have the answers your doctor needs is to keep a diary. You’ll need to keep track of how much fluid you’re drinking, how often you take a potty break, and how much you go. You’ll also want to write down any episodes of urinary urgency or urine leakage.
Tests Required For A Diagnosis
A urinalysis will be done to check for the presence of bacteria, blood or protein, or glucose. Bacteria would indicate an infection, blood or protein may be the result of a kidney problem, and glucose could be a sign of diabetes.
Your doctor may order a cytoscopy if blood is present. A cytoscope, which is a thin tube with a light on it, is inserted to see if there are any cysts or tumors present.
A stress test is done to see if you have a leakage problem. This is pretty simple. You drink some water, wait til you have to go to the bathroom, and then cough.
If your problem hasn’t been responding to treatment, urodynamic testing may be next. This series of tests is invasive, as well as expensive, so it’s usually done as a last resort. The test series includes:
- Postvoid residual volume – a catheter is inserted after you urinate to see if anything is left, and how much. This may also be measured with an ultrasound.
- Cystometry – a catheter is used to fill the bladder with air or warm water. Another catheter in the rectum measures the pressure while it fills.
- Uroflowmetry – as you’re urinating, the flow and speed are checked to make sure nothing is blocking it.
- Voiding cystourethrogram – contrast dye is injected with a catheter, and then x-rays are taken while you’re going to the bathroom. This test checks for structural problems in your urinary tract.
These tests aren’t fun, but it’s important to know what’s causing the problem so that you can receive the right treatment. Don’t let embarrassment allow your life to be ruled by this “hidden condition.”
About the Author
D. Lillian Norris enjoys sharing her knowledge of natural healing. Now there’s a natural remedy available that can relieve your overactive bladder quickly and safely. Don’t spend another day suffering from urine leakage and bladder incontinence. Sign up for your free newsletter right now at http://www.YourOveractiveBladder.com
|
|
Incontinence Photo Mugs Incontinence. Artwork showing a section through the urinary system of a woman, with the muscles involved in incontinence (involuntary leaking of urine from the bladder). The bladder is an organ which stores urine (yellow/orange) before its expulsion from the body through the urethra (centre to lower centre). During urination, the muscles in the bladder wall (light pink) contract, whilst those in t… |
|
|
Tena Serenity Pads, Secure Bladder Protection … |
|
|
Tena Serenity Overnight Pads, Full Coverage, 30-Count Package $18.95 Odasorb plus. Full coverage. Most absorbent. Specially designed to be wider in the front and back for protection while lying down. Cotton-like soft topsheet that pulls in liquid to keep you dry. OdaSorb Plus, pH-balanced system to fight odors. Dry Fast Core suber absorbent core locks in liquid quickly. Made in the Netherlands…. |
|
|
Poise Ultimate Absorbency Pads, Regular Length, 33 Count (Pack of 4) $67.96 Nobody wants to worry about bladder leakage. Poise maximum absorbency pads are specifically designed for bladder leakage to provide outstanding protection. An absorb-loc core quickly locks away wetness and odor to provide discreet and worry-free protection…. |
|
|
Tena 57400 Serenity Ultimate Heavy Overnight Pads 90/Case Ultimate absorbency Dry Fast Superabsorbent core Advanced odor protection Cotton-like topsheetThe Tena 57400 Serenity Ultimate Overnight pads are designed with ultimate absorbency for heavy bladder protection needs. They were also specially designed where they are wider in the front and back for protection while lying down. The Dry Fast Core locks in liquid quickly and the cotton-like, soft topshe… |
|
|
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Incontinence from Science Photo Library Photo Puzzle, Incontinence. Incontinence. Artwork showing a section through the urinary system of a woman, with the muscles involved in incontinence (involuntary leaking of urine from the bladder). The bladder is an organ which stores urine (yellow/orange) before its expulsion from the body through the urethra (centre to lower centre). During urination, the muscles in the bladder wall (light pink)… |
|
|
Overcoming Overactive Bladder: Your Complete Self-Care Guide $16.95 This is the only book for the 17 million people in the United States suffering from overactive bladder (OAB) that includes the latest physical techniques and cognitive-behavioral strategies for coping with OAB. The frequent urge to urinate is a bothersome affliction that can cause significant physical, social, and psychological problems. More Americans deal with this condition than suffer from dep… |
|
|
Men’s Protective Incontinence Triple Layer White Briefs (2 Pack) $34.98 For heavy incontinence! The triple-layer polyester pad inside this brief absorbs up to 10 ounces of liquid! And you’ll feel as comfortable wearing this as if it were a pair of “regular” briefs. Great for bedtime use and/or heavy incontinence. Available as a 2-pack. Sizes: Medium (34″-36″) Large (38″-40″) X-Large (42″-44″) XX-Large (46″-48″) With polycotton exterior. Imported. Washable…. |