Overactive bladder (OAB), the frequent, sudden urge to urinate, sometimes with urine leakage, is quite common. Over three in 10 women in the US live with OAB, but the older you are, the more likely you are to develop it.
In many cases, OAB is treatable. But you can’t be treated if you don’t speak up.
You will usually first talk to your GP about your symptoms. Family doctors often treat OAB, but you can also seek treatment from a gynecologist, urologist, urogynecologist, or geriatrician. Regardless of who cares for you, your appointments will be more helpful if you are prepared for your office visits.
Here are some simple ways to help you prepare and make the most of your visit.
1. Know who will treat your OAB
You may want to see a doctor, nurse, or medical assistant to help you with your OAB. And these doctors can have different specialties. It is helpful to understand who is treating you and what their area of expertise is.
Basic care: Manages general wellness and prevention and frequently diagnoses and treats OAB. If you need more specialized treatment, you will be referred to a specialist.
gynecology: Experts in women’s reproductive health and can diagnose and treat OAB. Depending on your symptoms and treatment needs, you may be referred to a urologist or urogynecologist for further evaluation or specialized treatment.
urology: Specializes in the urinary system, including the bladder.
Urogynecology: Focuses on pelvic floor problems including OAB and urinary leakage.
geriatrics: Specialized care for older adults. Given that up to half of women over 65 suffer from OAB, doctors in geriatric practices see the condition fairly regularly.
2. Keep a bladder diary for at least three days
You can take notes on a computer, phone, or notebook, or download a bladder or voiding diary. This will give your doctor a clearer picture of what’s going on over time, eliminating the need to remember things on the spot.
Write down:
- What time do you go to bed or get up?
- How often do you get up at night to pee?
- What you drink, how much and when
- When you feel an urgent need to pee
- How much piss you release. If you want to be precise, you can use a measuring cup
- If your bladder is leaking, painful, burning or uncomfortable
3. List your medications
Some medications, such as diuretics (“water pills”), can cause or worsen OAB symptoms. Therefore, make a list of all the medications you take, including:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications such as painkillers, allergy tablets, etc.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements
4. Share how OAB affects you
Your doctor will ask you questions about peeing, but it’s important to understand how these symptoms affect your life.
- Do you avoid going out?
- Do frequent bathroom breaks interfere with your work or activities?
- Are you tired from constantly getting up at night to pee?
- Does OAB affect your relationships, social life, or sex life?
- Do you need to wear urine pads, pads or leak-proof underwear? How often do you have to change them?
5. Prepare a list of questions
You don’t want to leave your appointment only to be reminded of questions later. Write down your questions in advance as you think about them. The list can be long. So mark the most important ones and ask first if you can’t reach them all. These can be questions like:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Do I need any tests and if so, which ones?
- What treatments do you recommend?
- What are the possible side effects of the treatments?
- Are there things I can do at home to help?
6. Use clear language
Doctors prefer clear, direct language to avoid confusion. There is no reason to be ashamed. Remember that OAB is common. You could start the conversation with statements like:
- I often have to get up at night to pee.
- I’m exhausted from getting up to pee so often, and it’s affecting my work, my daily routine, and my life.
- Sometimes I have to pee so badly that I can’t make it to the bathroom.
- I’m losing piss and it’s embarrassing. It stops me from participating in activities.
7. Make sure your concerns are addressed before you leave
Make sure your questions and concerns have been addressed. You may be wondering:
- Should I continue with the bladder diary?
- What do I do if my symptoms get worse?
- When will I receive the test results?
- How long does it take until I know if the treatment is helping?
- When should I schedule a follow-up exam?
Factors that can make living with OAB difficult
Anyone can develop OAB, but some groups are more severely affected. A study found that adults with OAB who struggle with social or economic challenges may feel the impact of OAB on their lives even more acutely. This includes people who:
- Are unemployed
- Have low income
- Worry about having enough to eat
- They are not housed or have unstable accommodation
- I don’t have health insurance
If you are diagnosed with OAB but have concerns about following the treatment plan or attending appointments, mention this. There may be options such as lower-cost medications, video appointments, or local resources that your doctor can point you towards.
This educational resource was created with the support of Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.
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