Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Overactive bladder (OAB), the frequent, sudden urge to urinate, sometimes with leakage, is quite common. Over 3 out 10 women in the U.S. live with OAB, but the older you are, the higher the chances are that you\u2019ll get it. In many cases, OAB is treatable. But you can\u2019t be treated if you don\u2019t speak up. Typically, you might first talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about your symptoms. PCPs often manage OAB, but you could also be treated by a gynecologist, urologist, urogynecologist or geriatrician. Regardless of who\u2019s caring for you, being prepared for your office visits will make your appointments more helpful. 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 see a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician associate to help with your OAB. And these clinicians may have different specialties. It\u2019s helpful to understand who is treating you and what their specialty is. Primary care: Manages overall wellness and prevention, and often diagnoses and handles OAB. If you need more specialized treatment, they\u2019ll refer you to a specialist. Gynecology: Experts in women\u2019s reproductive health, and may diagnose and manage OAB. Depending on your symptoms and treatment needs, you may be referred to a urologist or urogynecologist for additional evaluation or specialized care. Urology: Specializes in the urinary system, including the bladder. Urogynecology: Focuses on pelvic floor problems, including OAB and urinary leakage. Geriatrics: Specialty care for older adults. Given that up to half of women over 65 experience OAB, clinicians in geriatric offices see the condition fairly regularly. 2. Keep a bladder diary for at least three days You can keep notes on a computer or phone or in a notebook, or you can download a bladder or voiding diary. This gives your clinician a clearer picture of what is going on over time, rather than you trying to remember on the spot. Write down: What time you go to bed\/wake up How many times you get up at night to pee What you drink, how much and when When you feel urgent need to pee How much pee you pass. You can use a measuring cup if you want to be precise If and when you have any leakage, pain, burning or discomfort in your bladder 3. List your medications Some medications, like diuretics (\u201cwater pills\u201d), can cause or worsen OAB symptoms, so make a list of everything you take, including: Prescription medications Over-the-counter drugs, like pain relievers, allergy pills, etc. Vitamins and supplements 4. Share how OAB is affecting you Your clinician will ask questions related to peeing, but it\u2019s important they understand how these symptoms affect your life. Do you avoid going out? Do frequent bathroom breaks affect your work or activities? Are you fatigued because you keep getting up at night to pee? Is OAB affecting your relationships, your social life or your sex life? Do you have to wear urinary pads, liners or leakproof underwear? How often do you need to change them? 5. Prepare a list of questions You don\u2019t want to leave your appointment only to remember questions later. Write your questions down as you think of them ahead of time. The list might be long, so highlight the most important ones to ask first in case you can\u2019t get to them all. They could be questions like: What might be causing my symptoms? Do I need any tests, and if so, what are they? 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 Clinicians prefer clear, direct language to avoid confusion. There\u2019s no need to be embarrassed. Remember, OAB is common. You could start the conversation with statements like: I have to get up often at night to pee. I\u2019m exhausted from getting up so often to pee, and it\u2019s affecting my work\/day\/life. Sometimes I have to pee so badly that I don\u2019t make it to the bathroom. I\u2019m leaking pee, and it\u2019s embarrassing. It\u2019s keeping me from participating in activities. 7. Make sure you get your concerns addressed before you leave Be sure that your questions and concerns have been addressed. You might ask: Should I continue with the bladder diary? What do I do if my symptoms get worse? When will I get the test results? How long before I know if treatment is helping? When should I schedule a follow-up? Factors that can make living with OAB harder Anyone can develop OAB, but some groups are affected more. One study found that adults with OAB who are dealing with social or economic challenges may feel the impact of OAB on their lives even more. This includes people who: Are unemployed Have low income Worry about having enough food Are unhoused or have unstable housing Don\u2019t have health insurance If you are diagnosed with OAB but are worried about following the treatment plan or getting to appointments, mention this. There may be options like lower cost medications, video appointments or local resources your clinician can point you to. This educational resource was created with support from Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. 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