It’s a sad fact that many people with OAB are not aware that treatments are available. Why wait longer than you need to for a medical condition that is treatable?

Diagnosing and treating OAB may be made by such healthcare providers as the primary care physician, nurse practitioner, gynecologist, urogynecologist, geriatrician, gerontologist, urologist, pediatrician, neurologist, physiotherapist, and even psychologist.

Tests to Help Diagnose OAB
Depending on what your health care provider may diagnose or recommend, you may be referred to a specialist such as a urologist, gynecologist, or urogynecologist. Then, depending on the type and possible causes of your incontinence, there are a number of tests available, including:

• Urinalysis. A sample of your urine will be studied for signs of blood, infection, or other abnormal conditions.
• Ultrasound. A medical technique for determining the size and shape of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate gland.
• Post-Void Residual Measurement. A test to determine if there is any urine in the bladder after you have tried to empty it on your own. This can be done by using a catheter or through ultrasound.
• Cystoscopy. A cystoscope—a thin instrument—is inserted into the bladder via the urethra so the doctor can see the inside of the bladder.
• Stress Test. This test is to study the muscle functions of both the bladder and sphincter. It can determine whether your bladder fills and empties normally.
• X-Ray Test. This could determine the degree of change in the position of the bladder and urethra during such normal activities as coughing, straining, or voiding.

Treatment Options for OAB
If you have OAB, don’t despair. Whatever you may have heard, don’t believe the myth that there is little or nothing that can be done to help improve the condition. There is plenty of help available in the form of behavioral therapy, medications and exercise or a combination of the therapies. Please see your doctor to determine which therapy or combination of therapies is right for you.

Treatment options for coping with OAB include:

• Bladder Training. You and your doctor may work together in deciding this training to help your bladder hold urine better. You may want to urinate once every hour. Then, if you stay dry during the hours in between urinating, you may try waiting longer (1.5 hours or so) before urinating. You may also consider not drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol and drinking less right before going to bed. You should, however, drink your normal amounts of fluids during the day.
• Bladder or Pelvic Muscle Exercises. Also known as Kegel exercises. Strengthening the muscles around the bladder may help you hold your urine longer. You can tighten the muscles you use to stop from urinating. Hold the muscles in the tightened position for 4-10 seconds. Next, relax the muscles for the same amount of time. The number of times you do this exercise can be increased over a period of several weeks. It is possible that your doctor may suggest inserting a small device in your vagina or rectum that emits a pain-free electrical impulse that exercises the muscles.
• Medications. There are a number of prescription medications now on the market to help treat OAB. Some prevent undesired bladder contractions. Others relax muscles, helping the bladder to empty more completely. And some can tighten the bladder and urethra muscles to reduce leakage. Medication options include oral and skin patch drug delivery systems.
• Surgery. This can correct problems such as blockage. It can also reposition the bladder so it is not bumping into another body part, enlarge the bladder, and make weak muscles stronger. The surgeon can also implant a small device that uses the nerves to control bladder contractions.