Overactive bladder remains undiagnosed

City based urologists opine that despite treatment options being available, people continue to live with an overactive bladder. It is estimated that one in six people over the age of 40 suffer from an overactive bladder (OAB) and the incidence increases with age.

According to Dr Sanjay Sinha. Consultant Urologist and Transplant Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderguda, “Overactive bladder is a problem where the bladder-storage functions becomes impaired, resulting in a sudden urge to urinate.

In some cases, the urge may be so strong that it can result in leaks before you can reach the bathroom.” If you’re using the bathroom more than about eight times in a 24 hour period, this could be a sign that there is something else going, he pointed out.

This year's World Continence Week is observed during the week June 19 to 25. This year’s theme - Incontinence: No laughing matter, tackles a common response by people to laugh off incontinence, accepting it as an inevitable part of childbirth or ageing, not a health issue requiring specialist treatment.

Dr K Lalitha, Urogynecologist, Dr Lalitha's Urogynecology Centre, Hyderguda, said, “Though very common, people hesitate to discuss it with their doctor due to embarrassment. It can have a very negative impact on the sufferer's quality of life. It leads to low self-esteem and social isolation.”

OAB is a medical problem that affects the way the bladder behaves, he added. Awareness is critical when it comes to reducing the stigma associated with incontinence and other bladder health conditions and symptoms, the doctors opined. With OAB, the bladder works overtime, contracting more often than it should and at inappropriate times.

The bladder muscles seem to give wrong messages to the brain causing the bladder to feel fuller than it actually is. The bladder contracts too early when the bladder is not very full. The first step to find if you are suffering from OAB is to check yourself. Keep an eye on how often and how much urine you are passing every day besides how strong you felt the urge to empty each time.

If the frequency and the urgency has increased, it’s time to consult your doctor. When treated, OAB can be managed well and symptoms significantly reduced. There are numerous ways to treat OAB, including lifestyle changes, diet, medication and surgery. But the most important as experts have pointed out is to talk to your doctor if you have the symptoms of OAB.