Overactive Bladder

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Emotional Support

Reviewed by: David O. Sussman, D.O., FACOS

The frequent urination and accidents caused by overactive bladder are not just embarrassing, they seem to take over every aspect of your life. But you aren’t alone—OAB affects millions at any age, regardless of race, ethnicity, social class and economic group. Understanding this condition may help you treat it.

Start treatment

Many people with OAB try to hide their problem, which is understandable. But hiding it from the doctor is a mistake. In most cases, overactive bladder will not go away on its own. So, don’t ignore your bladder symptoms—and make sure your doctor doesn’t either. If your doctor is not familiar with OAB, get a referral to a specialist.

Once you find a doctor who is experienced in treating people with OAB, take advantage of available resources. By taking charge and seeking help, you can treat your overactive bladder and lessen the impact it has on your life.

Find support

Bladder control is not an easy topic to discuss, leaving you feeling alone and isolated. But sometimes, talking about it can help. Discussing OAB with your closest friends and family members can help them understand what you’re going through, and provide you with much-needed support.

You may also benefit from talking to other people with overactive bladder. Support groups can be a valuable resource. Ways you can benefit from discussion include:

• Reassurance that you are not alone. Connecting with others who are experiencing the same thing can help you feel less isolated. Hearing people’s stories and sharing your own can be especially comforting when you’re struggling with symptoms. You may find yourself much less embarrassed—you’re not the only one who’s had an accident, after all.
  
  
• New ideas and tips to manage your OAB. Other people can provide helpful tips and ideas about how they manage their overactive bladder. Not all tips will work for everyone, of course, but you may find some that work for you.
  
  
• Encouragement as you seek treatment. You may experience the same setbacks in your treatment that others have undergone. As your treatment progresses, their encouragement can be rewarding. Being able to openly share your successes, as small as they may be, can restore your confidence as you regain bladder control.

Talk to your doctor about finding a support group for people with OAB. With the right support, you can lessen the emotional toll of your overactive bladder, and with the right treatment, you can reduce the effect it has on your life.

What's Next: Getting Intimate

Review date: 05-01-2008