What are the treatment options for overactive bladder?
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There are many treatment options available for overactive bladder.
- Some drugs, such as diuretics, worsen the condition, so you may wish to discuss your current medical regimen with your doctor to see if you are taking any such medications.
- A reduction in your caffeine or alcohol intake may help your symptoms.
- Your doctor may wish to put you on a schedule where you urinate at regular intervals, ultimately training your bladder by slowly increasing the time between voids.
- Drugs, such as oxybutynin and tolterodine, cause your bladder to relax, which can help your symptoms.
- Surgical options are also available for those who have continued difficulty despite other treatments.
- If you are experiencing some urinary leakage, your doctor can help you to find specialized pads that are not readily noticeable by others.
There are many treatment options available for overactive bladder. Some drugs, such as diuretics, worsen the condition, so you may wish to discuss your current medical regimen with your doctor to see if you are taking any such medications. A... More -
RealAge answered:If you're like most people with overactive bladder (OAB), you don't want symptoms such as frequent bathroom trips, strong and sudden urges or accidental leaks to get in the way of your busy lifestyle.
Yet many people suffer for years before getting adequate treatment because they're too embarrassed to seek help. But they need not be. OAB is a real and treatable medical condition that affects 34 million people in the United States.
OAB is not a "normal" part of aging, and it's not something that you just have to live with. Visit your healthcare provider soon for an evaluation if your OAB symptoms are not well controlled or if symptoms are interfering with your daily life.
Recent research into this common condition has led to many effective treatments, making it easier for people to get the control they need to live an active lifestyle. Treatment options include the following:
- diet modification
- behavioral training
- prescription medication therapy
- physical therapy
- medical devices
- surgery (reserved for severe cases that don't respond to other treatments)
If you're like most people with overactive bladder (OAB), you don't want symptoms such as frequent bathroom trips, strong and sudden urges or accidental leaks to get in the way of your busy lifestyle. Yet many people suffer for years before... More

