Overactive Bladder

Without your awareness, there is a constant loop of communication between your bladder and one of your lower spinal nerves (the third sacral nerve). About six times per second, the sacral nerve sends an impulse to the bladder to remind it "don't... Full Answer

If you have the urge to urinate frequently but don't void much fluid, your doctor might recommend a post void residual measurement test to see if you are emptying your bladder completely. To do this, you will urinate, and then your doctor will insert a... Full Answer

Caffeine is believed to irritate the bladder and aggravate overactive bladder symptoms. According to a National Kidney Foundation survey, women who drank at least one cup of tea each day were more likely to show signs of frequency and urgency.... Full Answer

During cystometry, bladder pressure is measured while your bladder is being filled up. This allows your doctor to see how much pressure it takes for you to be able to urinate and how fast you do it. Your doctor then uses a catheter to check for... Full Answer

In the diagnosis of overactive bladder, the doctor may start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. You may then have a physical exam with attention to your genital region and abdomen. You may have to give a urine sample which can be... Full Answer

The brief answer is yes. Although more common in women, overactive bladder (OAB) can occur in men and women. The hallmarks of OAB are the sudden, strong and severe urges to urinate (sensations that are difficult to postpone) during the day and... Full Answer

Vaginal weights help overactive bladder treatment by making sure you locate the right pelvic muscles to exercise. Here's how they work: - Start by placing the smallest weigh in your vagina and contract your pelvic floor muscles to keep it from... Full Answer

If you want to practice pelvic floor exercises, vaginal weights can help you locate and work the right muscles. When done correctly, the exercises can strengthen a weak pelvic floor, which can help with continence. In addition, success with the... Full Answer

There may be a link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and overactive bladder. This condition is also called irritable colon or spastic colon. People with IBS may experience abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. Those with bladder control... Full Answer

A voiding cystourethrogram is an X-ray examination of your bladder and surrounding areas at different positions. The test is performed by an X-ray technician who inserts dye into your bladder while the X-rays are taken. No special preparations... Full Answer