Overactive bladder is a condition that affects millions nationwide, but there are many things that can be done to help people dealing with the disruptive problem. Cindy Cook, an adult nurse practitioner with Ellis Pelvic Care, talks about the steps people should take if they think they have an issue.
"33 million Americans are affected in some way by overactive bladder," says Cook. "There are many different cause of overactive bladder. For women, it could be problems with prolapse. For men, it could be an enlarged prostate."
Cook says another cause of overactive bladder is due to people getting into abnormal habits when it comes to emptying their bladders.
"I
t is really about muscle control and actually muscle relaxation for a more effective bladder emptying," says Cook. If you do have symptoms of an overactive bladder, Cook says there are some simple things that can be done initially like testing your urine to make sure you do not have a badder infection.
"Very often, your primary care doctor or gynecologist will prescribe one of the overactive bladder medicines," says Cook.
Cook also mentions some behavioral changes you can make to help improve bladder function -- stay away from bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol and sparkling beverages.
