by JM Van Horn

Created on: March 19, 2009

When it comes to getting older, people tend to believe certain things are a part of aging, like losing your hair or an overactive bladder is a natural part of the process. Both men and women make up the 30 plus million people who are affective by this sometimes embarrassing problem. If you think that you or a loved one has an overactive bladder, there is hope. But the key to it starts with the proper diagnosis. Here is a look at the key symptoms of an overactive bladder that should not be ignored.

Symptoms of an Overactive Bladder

Urgency
With this symptom, you will have a pressing need to urinate even when you do not need to.

Urge Incontinence
This symptom is present when you find yourself unable to make it to the bathroom without experience even the smallest leak of urine.

Frequency
This symptom is present when you find yourself using the bathroom more than 8 to 10 times per day.

Nocturia
Have started to wake up at night more to use the restroom for no apparent reason. This symptom is another potential indicator of an overactive bladder.

When the topic of an overactive bladder is first discussed with your doctor, they will start to develop a complete medial history about any other urinary conditions that you may have had in the past. To help prepare yourself for this process, here are some of the questions you will need to be able to ask to help your doctor with the diagnosis.

How often do you urinate? How often do you leak urine and how much? Do you feel any pain or discomfort when you urinate? How long has the urinary problems been occurring? What medications are you taking?

Tests for an Overactive Bladder

Urinalysis
This test involves your doctor taking a urine sample so they can check for the presence of certain substances that help cause an overactive bladder. If a bacterium is present, it could indicate a urinary tract infection. If they find blood or protein in the urine sample, this could point towards a kidney problem while the presence of glucose would be a warning sign of diabetes.

Cystoscopy
If your doctor finds the presence of blood in your urine sample, they will order a cystoscopy. The purpose of this test is to look for cysts or other growths in your bladder. During the test, a thin instrument, called a cystoscope is used to help examine for anything that may be the cause.

Bladder Stress Test / Bonney Test
These tests are orders by doctors for you when you have frequent urine leaks. For the bladder stress test, they will have your bladder filled with fluid and while ask you to cough while applying external pressure to it. The Bonney test is used primarily on females and is similar except the doctor applies internal pressure by way of an instrument on the patient's bladder neck.

Voiding cystourethrogram
This test is ordered by doctors when they want to look for any structural problems with your bladder or urethra. A liquid dye is injected into your bladder by a catheter and then x-rays are taken while you urinate. Some people experience slight discomfort with this test, but it does not last long.

When it comes to your health, the most important thing to remember is to be open and honest with your doctor. Even though it can be uncomfortable talking with your doctor about frequent bladder leaks, this issue can not be address if it is not discussed. An overactive bladder is something that can be treated, enabling you to still experience all that life has to offer.

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