OAB means overactive bladder in this the persons feels urgent desire to go to the toilet, goes to the toilet frequently and sometimes leaking of urine before reaching the toilet.

How common is the overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder is highly prevalent distressing medical condition. Despite the high prevalence of OAB and the availability of effective treatment options, OAB treatment remains suboptimal. The condition is under diagnosed, often because of patient’s reluctance to bring their urinary symptoms to the attention of their doctor. Many patients accept their symptoms as a “normal” part of aging or believe surgery is the only treatment available.

What causes overactive bladder?

• Large number of condition can cause OAB like
• Neurological diseases
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Multiple Pregnancy
• BPH/Prostate cancer/ Prostatitis
• Diabetic Neuropathy

What are the symptoms of OAB?

• Urgency
• Frequency
• Nocturia
• Urge incontinence

Can OAB affect the QoL?

OAB patients have a significantly poorer quality of life. Patients who suffer from OAB focus on and may be preoccupied with such concerns as locating the closest bathroom, estimating the amount of time until their next work break. Furthermore OAB affects daily activities, such as travel, physical activity, relationships, sexual functions and nocturnal bladder control which can affect sleep.

What are the treatment options for OAB?

• Hygienic protection
• Behavioral Therapy
• Medications
• Surgery

What is Behavioral Therapy?

Behavioral therapies are considered the mainstay of treatment for urinary incontinence because they are noninvasive and can be initiated at the primary care level.

Behavioral interventions include pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), bladder training, Self-monitoring with bladder or voiding diaries and lifestyle modification.

What are some general lifestyle measures which may help?

What is a Bladder diary?

This daily diary allows to accurately record the fluid intake (how much you drink) and the bladder activity each day. It helps the health care professional to decide whether you have an overactive bladder. Keep the diary nearby, and fill it out as completely as possible. If the health care professional prescribes treatment for overactive bladder, the diary can also be used to help measure your progress.

What are the pelvic floor exercise and why are they important?

Pelvic floor exercises are done to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder and bowel. These exercises helps to control the leaking of urine.