What's Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
OAB is a real medical condition
Even though overactive bladder (OAB) may affect 1 in 6 adults, a lot of people aren't sure what OAB is. They might think it's just a sign of getting older, or that they can't do anything about those "embarrassing" leaks. But OAB is a real medical condition that results from the involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle. In other words, your internal plumbing doesn't always work the way it should. When you have OAB, you might feel the frequent urge to go to the bathroom or have an accidental leak when you least expect it. Watch what Dr. Reed has to say about OAB being a real and treatable medical condition.
You can help manage your OAB symptoms
Your doctor can suggest bladder exercises or other lifestyle changes that may help provide some relief from your symptoms. There are also medications like VESIcare that work to help control the bladder muscle. Learn more with our Interactive Guide to Internal Plumbing. Then, when you're ready to talk to your doctor, try the Doctor Conversation Guide for customized conversation starters. It could be time to find out if VESIcare may be right for you. Over 2 million people in the US have been prescribed VESIcare.
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Myth: My bladder symptoms just happen. I can't do anything to treat them. Fact: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a real, common medical condition that can be treated. There are helpful bladder exercises and other lifestyle changes that your doctor can suggest. If your doctor diagnoses OAB, he or she may also choose to prescribe a medication like VESIcare. So don't just cope with OAB symptoms, help control them instead. Use the Doctor Conversation Guide to get the conversation going.
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Myth: Kegel exercises alone can control everyone's bladder leaks. Fact: Kegel exercises are easy to do and designed to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder. While they may help some people, these exercises alone may not be enough to reduce your overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. -
Myth: All I need to do to help my bladder symptoms is drink fewer liquids. Fact: Using the bathroom 8 or more times a day can be a sign of overactive bladder (OAB). But that doesn't necessarily mean you're drinking too many liquids. OAB is the result of the involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle, which means those urges and leaks can happen before your bladder has expanded to its full size. Make sure you discuss with your doctor how many liquids you drink to see if it's affecting your OAB symptoms. -
Myth: Bladder symptoms are just a normal sign of aging. Fact: Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are not a normal sign of aging. Adults of any age can have OAB symptoms, and they can be treated. So if you're dealing with leaky pipes, see your doctor. If he or she diagnoses OAB, ask about treatment options like VESIcare that may help. Learn more about how VESIcare might help you in How VESIcare Works. -
Myth: My bladder symptoms aren't serious enough to discuss with my doctor. Fact: These symptoms could be a sign of overactive bladder (OAB) or other medical conditions that require medical attention. The frequent urges and leaks of OAB are part of a real medical condition that may affect over 33 million Americans. When you have OAB, always visiting the bathroom can interrupt the things you love to do.
