About overactive bladder.

Get everything you need to know about urinary incontinence in The Accidental Sisterhood book! Here's an overview to get you started.

 

Overactive bladder (OAB) can be urinary frequency, urgency and/or urge incontinence. It's a urine storage problem in which the bladder contracts suddenly and inappropriately. You feel it as a frequent and overpowering urge to go to the bathroom, night and day, followed by a powerful and uncontrollable bladder contraction.

 

If the muscles that keep your urethra closed are weak, you won't make it to the bathroom in time. This is known as overactive bladder-wet. If you are muscles are fit and you normally get there in time, this is overactive bladder-dry.

 

The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan or outpatient surgery such as Medtronic InterStim Therapy can help you overcome both of these problems.

 

 

CAUSES
There are a number of causes for OAB, although it's exact cause can't always be determined with each person. In many cases weakness in the pelvic floor is inherited through generations. A few common reasons include:

 

  • Childbirth, weight gain, or any conditions that stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
  • Exposure to bladder irritants such as caffeine or spicy food, emotional stress, or neurological problems.
  • Menopause can also contribute to the problem.

 

 

TREATMENT
Be sure to read The Accidental Sisterhood book for an in-depth look at your treatment options. Treatments include both non-surgical and surgical options.

 

For overactive bladder, urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence, possible treatments include:

 

  • Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, including the comprehensive program of six exercises featured in The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan.
  • Medications are available to control those sudden bladder contractions. In addition to pill form, these medications are available in a patch.
  • When other therapies for overactive bladder and/or urge incontinence fail, a surgical option such as Medtronic InterStim Therapy (simply put, a pacemaker for the bladder), can be placed to control symptoms related to OAB.

 

Always remember that overactive bladder is not normal and you should see a health-care professional to address the problem.

 

An initial evaluation by your doctor should include, at a minimum, an assessment of the symptoms, a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and a urinalysis to check for blood and infection. The Accidental Sisterhood book even help you prepare for your doctor's appointment by educating you about potential problems and related solutions.

 

 

PREVENTION

Pelvic floor training can't prevent OAB that may sometimes result from disease or damage to the pelvic floor, but it can help you to better manage the problem as a part of treatment.

 

The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan details two primary types of pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and four assisting exercises to help you target all the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower abdominals. You can do your kegels anywhere – in the car, at your desk or during sex! The Sisterhood DVD features an 8-minute at-home training session with our physical therapist, Jennifer Heisel Mangano, to help you stay motivated and focused.

 

It's also important to maintain a healthy weight, avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and avoid smoking cigarettes.

 

Find out firsthand how The Accidental Sisterhood book and Progressive Plan can help you prevent and overcome OAB!