Only one-quarter of people 45 and older see a doctor for overactive bladder (OAB); the rest often suffer silently—and needlessly.
If you suspect you have OAB, speaking up can change your life. Have an honest talk with your doctor about your concerns, symptoms and lifestyle. To ease your discussion, here's a handy list of topics you'll want to bring up and information you'll want to share.
Tell Your Doctor
Print this page and fill in the blanks or check the proper responses to the statements below:
I delivered one or more babies __________ months/years ago.
I entered menopause ____________ months/years ago.
The following symptoms concern me (urgency, frequency, bladder leaks):
- - -I first had symptoms ______ weeks/months/years ago.
In a typical day, I feel like I won't make it to the bathroom without an accident __________ times.
When I laugh, cough, sneeze, run or lift something, I experience symptoms.
- Yes
- No
I drink ___________ amount of liquids in a typical day and ______________ amount of alcohol a week.
I smoke.
- Yes
- No
My symptoms affect my ability to exercise.
- Yes
- No
I'm doing the following to cope with my condition:
I've tried ___________________ treatment, but stopped because ________________________________________.
Medications (Rx and OTC) and supplements I take:
__________________________ Dosage: ______________
__________________________ Dosage: ______________
__________________________ Dosage: ______________
__________________________ Dosage: ______________
Ask Your Doctor
During your appointment, you may want to ask your doctor some of the questions below. We've left space for you to jot down other questions you may have as well.
What's Wrong?How Can We Treat It?
Jot down other questions you want to ask:
1.
2.
3.
4.
