Overactive Bladder

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth. 

Women's Factors

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

As a woman, you have an almost equal chance of developing overactive bladder (OAB) as men do. But that doesn't mean your risk factors are the same. So what do you have to worry about that men don't? The main factors are:

OB/GYN issues

Your experience while you were pregnant may affect your risk of developing OAB afterwards. Carrying a child puts pressure on the bladder, which can contribute to OAB. For most women, pregnancy-related bladder problems will resolve themselves within a few months of giving birth. However, some cases continue long after you’ve given birth, and require treatment before any improvement is seen. (Hysterectomy, removing the uterus for medical reasons, may also put women at a higher risk of developing overactive bladder.)

Weight

A high body-mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, is a measure of body fatness, that is, obesity. Depending on your BMI, your doctor may classify you as at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight or obese. If you are overweight or obese, those extra pounds are putting extra pressure on your bladder. This puts you at greater risk of developing an overactive bladder, especially "wet" OAB (involving leakage or incontinence).

Do you have one of these risk factors? Even if you do, it doesn't mean your bladder will become overactive. And if it does, talk to your doctor about ways to manage symptoms and get back to normal bladder function. 

What's Next: 9 Ways to Take Charge

• The Right Treatment
• Emotional Support

Review date: 07-31-2009