Overactive bladder or OAB is a complex problem that refers to the feeling of needing to urinate more often than the average person and sometimes includes urinary leakage. It is estimated that more than 33 million people are affected by overactive bladder. This condition can affect both men and women and should not be considered a normal part of aging.

Proper bladder function is a delicate balance between nerves and muscles. The nerves tell the bladder and muscles involved with urination when to relax and when to contract or squeeze. When these signals are balanced, the bladder will remain relaxed until it is full. Once full, nerves will send signals to the brain telling it the bladder is full allowing us to make the decision of when and where it’s appropriate to urinate.

STEPS to SUCCESS – Treating Overactive Bladder

Step 1

• Bladder Satisfaction Survey
• Discussion of history and symptoms
• OAB* identified
• Discuss Steps to Success and treatment options for OAB
• Discuss behavioral modifications like diet change and timed voiding
• Discuss pelvic floor exercises
• A sample of an OAB medication can be tried for 2-4 weeks
• Fill out a voiding diary for 3 days
• Receive Educational Info ( UDX**, InterStim brochure)

Step 2

• Bladder Satisfaction Survey
• Discuss results of Step 1: If successful, continue treatment. If not…Start Step 2
• Urodynamics Consult
• Cystoscopy Consult
• Possible pelvic floor physical therapy referral
• A 2nd sample of OAB medication can be tried for 2-4 weeks
• Appt scheduled for Urodynamics, Cystoscopy, and follow up