Urinary incontinence is especially common during the perimenopause and menopause. The overactive bladder - with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and accidental loss of urine is a medical condition that affects 1 in 11 American adults. It can occur in men and women of all ages, but becomes more common with advancing age.

However, overactive bladder is not normal at any age, and effective treatment is available. These symptoms occur when the large muscle of the urinary bladder known as the detrusor muscle is inappropriately active.Instead of staying at rest as urine fills the bladder, the detrusor spasms or contracts when the bladder is incompletely filled. This spasm causes a sudden and sometimes overwhelming urge to urinate even when the bladder isn't completely full.

Sometimes people with this condition change their behavior to try to cope with their symptoms. For example, they may:

1) habitually create a 'map' of toilet locations, planning activities based on knowing where toilets can be easily reached.

2) carry an empty container in the car in case of the need to urinate while traveling long distances

3) wear dark and baggy clothing to disguise disposable pads or the signs of a urinary accident. Many people engage in these 'secret' behaviors because they are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. They may not even realize that effective treatment is available. Seeing a doctor for the symptoms of overactive bladder is a critical first step in obtaining treatment. Only a doctor can determine whether the symptoms are due to overactive bladder or to another type of bladder problem.

Seeing a Doctor for Overactive Bladder:

When you have a bladder control problem, you may find it difficult to talk about your symptoms. Many people who are now getting treatment for their bladder control problems also used to feel shy, ashamed, or embarrassed about their condition. But they took the first step and talked to their healthcare providers. Now many of them are receiving treatment and are on their way to a better quality of life.

The symptoms of overactive bladder:

1) Urinary frequency -often having to go to the bathroom more than 8 times in 24 hours-Frequency at night (nocturia) may include waking up to urinate 2 or more times

2) Urgency - a strong and sudden desire to urinate

3) Accidental loss of urine ? associated with a simultaneous sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate (urge incontinence)

To help get ready to talk to a doctor about a bladder control problem, you should be prepared to talk about your symptoms and your medical history. It may be helpful to keep a diary in which you write down how much you drink each day, how often you go to the bathroom, and the amount urinated each time. You may also consider filling in the screening questionnaire at the end of this article. Bringing your diary and the completed questionnaire to the doctor's office will help you talk about your symptoms.

Make a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medicines that you are taking, and bring the list with you to your appointment. Women who have had children will need to discuss their pregnancy and childbirth experiences.

At the doctor's office:

After the doctor has asked you questions and reviewed any written information that you provided, you may undergo a physical exam. In addition, the doctor may want to perform some simple tests to help find the reason for your problem.

Urinalysis is one of the most commonly used tests for the evaluation of bladder control problems. It involves the in-depth examination of a urine sample, which is analyzed to determine whether your symptoms are caused by overactive bladder or another problem, such as a urinary tract infection.

If further tests are needed, you may be referred to a urologist. Such tests are only performed when the doctor feels that more information is required to confirm or clarify a diagnosis. One of these tests, called cystoscopy involves the use of a thin telescope, to allow the doctor to see the inside of the bladder to check for tumors or stones, which can mimic the symptoms of the overactive bladder.

In addition, the doctor may perform urodynamic testing, which helps to assess several aspects of bladder function, including whether the bladder and sphincter muscles are functioning properly; whether you have normal bladder sensations and sufficient bladder capacity (the ability to hold an appropriate amount of urine); and whether your bladder fills and empties normally.

An x-ray test called a cystogram may also be used to examine how the position of the bladder and urethra changes during normal urinating, coughing, or straining. Your doctor can explain how each of the test results will be used. The results may help determine whether you have a bladder control problem or some other condition (such as a urinary tract infection) and can help identify the type of bladder control problem you may have.

After the test results have been analyzed, the doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis and will then describe your treatment options. Many treatment options exist today. They are well tolerated and very effective in controlling urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder. They can help a person regain control of their life.




		Menopause & Menstruation
	Urinary Incontinence caused by an Overactive Bladder John Sunyecz, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Urinary incontinence is especially common during the perimenopause and menopause. The overactive bladder - with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and accidental loss of urine is a medical condition that affects 1 in 11 American adults. It can occur in men and women of all ages, but becomes more common with advancing age. However, overactive bladder is not normal at any age, and effective treatment is available. These symptoms occur when the large muscle of the urinary bladder known as the detrusor muscle is inappropriately active.Instead of staying at rest as urine fills the bladder, the detrusor spasms or contracts when the bladder is incompletely filled. This spasm causes a sudden and sometimes overwhelming urge to urinate even when the bladder isn't completely full. Sometimes people with this condition change their behavior to try to cope with their symptoms. For example, they may: 1) habitually create a 'map' of toilet locations, planning activities based on knowing where toilets can be easily reached. 2) carry an empty container in the car in case of the need to urinate while traveling long distances 3) wear dark and baggy clothing to disguise disposable pads or the signs of a urinary accident. Many people engage in these 'secret' behaviors because they are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. They may not even realize that effective treatment is available. Seeing a doctor for the symptoms of overactive bladder is a critical first step in obtaining treatment. Only a doctor can determine whether the symptoms are due to overactive bladder or to another type of bladder problem. Seeing a Doctor for Overactive Bladder: When you have a bladder control problem, you may find it difficult to talk about your symptoms. Many people who are now getting treatment for their bladder control problems also used to feel shy, ashamed, or embarrassed about their condition. But they took the first step and talked to their healthcare providers. Now many of them are receiving treatment and are on their way to a better quality of life. The symptoms of overactive bladder: 1) Urinary frequency -often having to go to the bathroom more than 8 times in 24 hours-Frequency at night (nocturia) may include waking up to urinate 2 or more times 2) Urgency - a strong and sudden desire to urinate 3) Accidental loss of urine ? associated with a simultaneous sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate (urge incontinence) To help get ready to talk to a doctor about a bladder control problem, you should be prepared to talk about your symptoms and your medical history. It may be helpful to keep a diary in which you write down how much you drink each day, how often you go to the bathroom, and the amount urinated each time. You may also consider filling in the screening questionnaire at the end of this article. Bringing your diary and the completed questionnaire to the doctor's office will help you talk about your symptoms. Make a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medicines that you are taking, and bring the list with you to your appointment. Women who have had children will need to discuss their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. At the doctor's office: After the doctor has asked you questions and reviewed any written information that you provided, you may undergo a physical exam. In addition, the doctor may want to perform some simple tests to help find the reason for your problem. Urinalysis is one of the most commonly used tests for the evaluation of bladder control problems. It involves the in-depth examination of a urine sample, which is analyzed to determine whether your symptoms are caused by overactive bladder or another problem, such as a urinary tract infection. If further tests are needed, you may be referred to a urologist. Such tests are only performed when the doctor feels that more information is required to confirm or clarify a diagnosis. One of these tests, called cystoscopy involves the use of a thin telescope, to allow the doctor to see the inside of the bladder to check for tumors or stones, which can mimic the symptoms of the overactive bladder. In addition, the doctor may perform urodynamic testing, which helps to assess several aspects of bladder function, including whether the bladder and sphincter muscles are functioning properly; whether you have normal bladder sensations and sufficient bladder capacity (the ability to hold an appropriate amount of urine); and whether your bladder fills and empties normally. An x-ray test called a cystogram may also be used to examine how the position of the bladder and urethra changes during normal urinating, coughing, or straining. Your doctor can explain how each of the test results will be used. The results may help determine whether you have a bladder control problem or some other condition (such as a urinary tract infection) and can help identify the type of bladder control problem you may have. After the test results have been analyzed, the doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis and will then describe your treatment options. Many treatment options exist today. They are well tolerated and very effective in controlling urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder. They can help a person regain control of their life. By J.Sunyecz, M.D. At www.menopauserx.com we help guide a women through this transition naturally. With the help of professionals interested in natural products, we will review your symptoms and medical history. This will enable us to recommend and supply you with natural supplements aimed at eliminating your symptoms. John Sunyecz, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., MenopauseRX - Natural Remedies for Women Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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