Tag Archive for: bladder

What is Urodynamic Testing?

When someone is having issues using the restroom or problems emptying their bladder, urodynamic tests are a medical tool used to assess the situation. These tests can officially diagnose patients with medical issues like urinary incontinence, a condition that impacts over 25 million adults in America.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading!

What Does a Urodynamic Test Do?

There are a wide variety of urodynamic tests. A few examples include cystometry, uroflowmetry, and video urodynamics. All types of tests measure the following:

  • Flow rates of urine.
  • Nerve and muscle function.
  • Pressure around the bladder.

Depending on the results, these measurements can allow physicians to discover what medical condition someone with urinary incontinence might be facing.

Why Would You Need a Urodynamic Test?

Here are some of the common conditions that might warrant a physician to give a urodynamic test:

  • Frequent urination, over eight times a day.
  • Not being able to empty your bladder completely.
  • Pain when urinating.
  • An overwhelming urge to use the restroom.
  • Urine leaking/incontinence.

What Is the Test Like?

The process of urodynamic testing varies based on the specific test performed. Regardless of the type of test, you won’t need to prepare much at all. Some tests require you to drink liquid before urinating into special equipment, while others require catheters.

Speak with your physician about which test you’re receiving, and don’t be afraid to ask for details on what the process will entail.

If you have further questions about urodynamic testing, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

 

Overactive Bladder 101

With more than 200,000 cases in the United States alone per year, overactive bladder (also called OAB) is a common medical condition many women and men experience. This urological issue causes a frequent, urgent need to use the restroom, sometimes even leading to accidents before a person has time to get to the bathroom.

If you or a loved one are dealing with OAB, keep reading below to learn more about causes and treatment options.

What Are the Symptoms for Overactive Bladder?

The most common symptoms of OAB are:

  • The sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control.
  • Accidently releasing urine when the urge appears.
  • Using the restroom multiple times in the middle of the night, a condition called nocturia.
  • Frequently urinating more than usual, beyond eight times a day.

What Causes OAB?

Usually, OAB can occur when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, creating that urgent need to use the restroom.

There are several risk factors and medical conditions that can cause OAB, including enlarged prostates, diabetes, cognitive decline, tumors, certain medications, and hormone changes.

What’s the Treatment for OAB?

 

The most common treatment for overactive bladder is behavior therapies and lifestyle changes. Those include options such as pelvic floor muscle exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, biofeedback, intermittent catheterization, scheduling restroom use, and bladder training. These therapies help encourage the body and bladder to function without daily interruption.

Other treatment options include:

  • Bladder injections
  • Medications
  • Nerve stimulation
  • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
  • Surgery

If you have further questions about overactive bladder, reach out to the experts at Avant Gynecology by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-352-2850.

Can’t Hold It In? What Your Overactive Bladder Could Mean

The sudden need to use the restroom is a common experience among women. This issue, called overactive bladder (OAB), happens to about 17% of women over the age of 18. That’s millions of women feeling like they can’t hold it in, regularly having accidents, or being ruled by proximity to the closest bathroom.

But what exactly is OAB? And how can you manage it? Keep reading to learn all about this type of urinary incontinence that affects so many women.

What Causes Overactive Bladder?

OAB happens when the muscles in the bladder contract without intention, even when the amount of urine in your system is small. There are many things that could lead to this happening. While some examples are more common than others, here is a list of many causes that can lead to overactive bladder:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Tumors or bladder stones
  • Certain medications
  • Inability to empty the bladder completely
  • Obstructed bladder
  • Inability to walk fully or troubles with using the restroom yourself
  • Large consumption of caffeine and/or alcohol
  • Declining cognitive function
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological disorders

Who Is At Risk for Overactive Bladder?

There are several things that can lead women being at risk for OAB. Those are:

  • Overweight
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Genetic diseases like diabetes
  • Illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease
  • Advanced age
  • Bowel control issues

However, just like with many medical diseases, healthy habits can keep OAB at bay. Here are some habits you can pick up today to lower your risk, especially if you have any of the conditions above:

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol
  • No smoking
  • Perform strengthening kegel exercises
  • Manage illnesses that might make OAB more commonplace, such as diabetes
  • Have a healthy weight
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Maintain regular exercise

If you have any more questions about overactive bladder, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help. Give us a call at 404-352-2850 or click here to schedule an appointment.