Red Hot Mamas and Overactive Bladder

Red Hot Mamas and Overactive Bladder

Red Hot Mama Ad for February 2018Millions of women and men suffer from an overactive bladder (OAB). The symptoms of OAB are usually characterized by frequent, sudden and compelling urges to run to the bathroom. Sometimes there is even leakage of urine. My patients often say things like, “when I’ve got to, I’ve got to go” or “I have to hurry, because I don’t want to wet myself.” Sound familiar? It is estimated that approximately 10-16% of adults have OAB – that’s roughly 30-50 million people! While OAB affects women and men about equally, women are twice as likely compared to men to experience leakage of urine. This obviously creates a highly negative impact on the quality of life for these women. A number of clinical factors increase a woman’s risk for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence; these include, increasing age, post-menopausal status, weight gain, history of childbirth, neurological disease, and diabetes. Overactive bladder is not a disease, but rather a symptom complex resulting from a variety of factors. Other conditions such as urinary tract infection, malignancy, or stones can mimic the symptoms of OAB, therefore these should be ruled out before one is formally diagnosed with OAB. Despite the high prevalence of OAB and urinary incontinence among women, many do not seek treatment – as high as 80%. Many women are simply not aware of the treatment choices that are available to them. Or, they may assume that invasive surgery is their only option, which they understandably would prefer to avoid. If you or a loved one would like more information about overactive bladder and the treatment options that are available, please join me for a special seminar in the Red Hot Mamas® lecture series titled “Women and Overactive Bladder: taking back bladder control.” The Red Hot Mamas® organization is a leading provider of information and support programs to women to help optimize their health at menopause and beyond. This seminar will be held in the Pebble Creek Conference Room at the Portneuf Medical Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2018. Doors open at 6:00 pm; the presentation begins at 6:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve a seat, visit www.portneuf.org/event/rhm or call 208-239-2033. To learn more about Portneuf’s upcoming seminars, including Red Hot Mamas®, be sure to like Portneuf Medical Center on Facebook.