by Jennifer Mcdonald

Created on: August 19, 2010

How an overactive bladder is diagnosed?

It is estimated that one in six people suffer from problems that are caused by an overactive bladder. It is not an age related illness, although more people develop symptoms as they age.

The bladder works by sending messages to the brain to indicate that it is full. The bladder then expands to hold more urine. When it is full the bladder muscles contract and send strong signals to the brain telling it that it is full. In cases of overactive bladder; the bladder muscles contracts frequently which creates the frequency and urgency of urination.

There are several reasons why a person might experience symptoms of an overactive bladder. It could be caused by a urinary tract infection, underlying health problems or an enlarged prostate. The first phase in the diagnostic process involves answering a series of questions about your symptoms.

Your physician will want to know how often you visit the bathroom throughout the day. The frequency of night time visits to the bathroom. How strong is your urge to urinate? Are you experiencing leakage? After discussing the symptoms with your doctor you will be examined and given a urine test in your doctors office. A urine test is given to test for blood or bacteria in the urine. After this initial testing the doctor will determine if other tests are necessary.

Cystiscopy: looks for cysts

Urodynamic test: check if the bladder is emptying all its urine

A Voiding Cystourethrogram: looks for damage to the structure of the bladder or urethra

A Bonney test: checks for leakage

There is no specific cure for an overactive bladder, and a definitive cause has not been found. It can be treated with prescription medication to reduce symptoms. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy has prov-en to be the best way to treat an overactive bladder. The purpose of the therapy is to teach patients to manage their symptoms by using diet restrictions and incontinence training. Medication can reduce the strong urges to urinate as well as the accidents, and the frequent trips to the bathroom.

In some instances surgery might be required, and traditional, or laser surgery is optional. In other cases protective undergarment is recommended. Eight or more visits to the bath room in a day are indicative of an overactive bladder. Only a doctor can diagnose an overactive bladder as the symptoms might be caused by other factors.

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