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1. An estimated 33 million people in the United States have OAB, according to the National Association for Continence (NAFC).
2. Women are more likely to be younger when symptoms start, according to the National Overactive Bladder Evaluation (NOBLE) Program.
3. Overactive bladder can occur with pregnancy or be a sign of other illness such as a urinary tract infection, kidney infection or bladder cancer, or, in men, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate cancer. Tell your doctor about your symptoms so you can get tested.
4. A third of people with OAB have the "wet" form, which means they suffer some leakage with their condition. Wet OAB is more common in women and increases greatly among women in their mid-40s.
5. More than $12 billion is spent treating OAB each year (NAFC).
6. OAB accounts for 9 to 12 percent of the medical expenses of people with the condition, according to the American Urological Association.
7. Left untreated, overactive bladder can interfere with work, social activities and relationships.
8. About 9 out of 10 doctor-patient conversations about OAB start because the patient brings it up (NAFC). So if you think you might have the condition, don't wait for your doctor to ask about it.
9. You don't have to live with an overactive bladder. Lifestyle changes and treatment options can reduce symptoms.
10. Overactive bladder is not a normal part of aging.
Now that you've got the facts, speak up for yourself. Talk to your doctor and get treated.
Reviewed by: David O. Sussman, D.O., FACOS
