6 Overactive Bladder Myths and Facts

In with Truth, Out with Rumor

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Although Overactive Bladder isn’t the most popular topic to discuss over dinner, it should still be talked about. The reason why there are so many rumors regarding Overactive Bladder and Urinary Incontinence in general is because no one is talking about it. Yes, it may be a sensitive subject, but learning the facts will keep the rumors and fear of this condition from spreading.

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Myth 1: Overactive Bladder causes leakage when you cough, laugh, or sneeze.

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Fact: These are not symptoms of Overactive Bladder. These are symptoms of Stress Incontinence, an entirely different form of Urinary Incontinence. Overactive Bladder symptoms include the sudden and strong urge to urinate on a frequent basis. This means you urinate eight or more times a day, and up to two or more times at night. Sometimes the urge is so strong, or you have to urinate so much, you don’t have enough time to reach the bathroom.

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While Stress Incontinence and Overactive Bladder are different conditions, it is possible to have both at the same time.

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Myth 2: Overactive Bladder only affects women.

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Fact: Men experience Overactive Bladder more often than women, after age 60. The reason this myth is spread is because women are more likely to express their urinary concerns to their doctor’s and loved ones than men. Overactive Bladder affects both men and women, it does not have a prejudice against gender.

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Myth 3: Those with Overactive Bladder have small bladders.

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Fact: Overactive bladder is generally caused by spasms in the bladder. These spasms are involuntary contractions that create  the sudden urge to urinate, even if there is not that much urine in your bladder. The causes of Overactive Bladder can differ depending on gender and health conditions.

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Men with enlarged prostates can experience Overactive Bladder because their prostate puts pressure on the urethra and bladder. This then affects the way urine escapes from the body.

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Women and men who have neurological disorders (like multiple sclerosis or stroke) signals to the brain and bladder may be disrupted. This will then cause the strange frequency or urination.

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Myth 4: Drinking less water will lessen the symptoms of Overactive Bladder.

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Fact: You may urinate less, but the urine will become more concentrated. Your urine will then become dark, thicker, and stronger smelling. This concentrated urine will irritate the bladder and you may actually need to urinate more often. Cutting back on drinking water is incredibly unhealthy. Drinking six to eight cups of water and any sort of clean fluid should be your goal. As long as you sip on this amount throughout the day, you can remain hydrated and maintain the symptoms of your Overactive Bladder.

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Myth 5: There is no treatment for Overactive Bladder.

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Fact: There are plenty of treatments available for Overactive Bladder, and new treatments are researched and attempting to be developed everyday. Talk to a physician about your symptoms, and research medical news on Overactive Bladder to be able to discuss certain treatments you find most attractive. Don’t be afraid to talk about your symptoms because you can find help!

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A simple diet change in what you eat and drink can help alleviate the symptoms of Overactive Bladder. Certain types of exercises pertaining to the pelvic floor muscles can strengthen the urethra and bladder into controlling the urges. And bladder retraining with a physical therapist is often found very helpful. Sometimes medication can help to control the urges, and relax the bladder at the same time. If one medication doesn’t work, that doesn’t mean other forms of Overactive Bladder medication won’t work. Not all medication is oral, it can range from a skin patch to a special gel. Experiment and find which one is right for you.

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Modern technology has enabled physicians to find other treatments as well, like biofeedback and other implemented surgeries. Other less invasive treatments include the stimulation of nerves that control the bladder like Botox injections.

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All of these treatments if paired with disposable adult diapers can enable you to have a normal active lifestyle. If your symptoms do not cease you can wear thin liners or guards during the day, and night time adult briefs when you sleep. There are plenty of discreet adult diapers that can go unnoticed, and by discussing your symptoms you can keep your condition a discrete a you wish. But there is nothing to be ashamed about because this condition affects a great amount of people, which brings us to the next myth about Overactive Bladder.

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Myth 6: Overactive Bladder is a rare condition. No one else has issues reaching the bathroom on time.

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Fact: The national Association for Incontinence speculates that about 12.2 million American citizens have Overactive Bladder, or Urge Incontinence. It is not uncommon that the intense, frequent urge to urinate will make reaching the bathroom in time very difficult. This can result in accidental leakage. Overactive Bladder is inconvenient, but it is very common. There are plenty of forums and associations that discuss Overactive Bladder because it affects so many. This is why the “Just Can’t Wait” card was developed, because plenty of people can’t reach a public bathroom on time. This card enables those with Overactive Bladder to access bathrooms in private businesses.

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Knowing the facts about Overactive Bladder can help you and or the ones you love in dealing with this condition. Information is power, so take control of your bladder leakage and live healthy.