What is an overactive bladder? This condition - more common in older women - is characterized by an urgent and frequent need to urinate and sometimes results in some leakage of urine before reaching a bathroom. This condition is often successfully treated with behavior modifications and bladder retraining, but can sometimes require additional treatments.

The Urogynecologist experts at NorthShore, walk us through the common techniques for treating an overactive bladder:

• Learn regulate your fluid intake. Think about what and when you drink and train the bladder accordingly.
• Talk with your physician about what types of medications can help with the management of this condition.
• Consider a minimally invasive procedure if problems continue after trying more conservative methods. This procedure involves using Botox injections in the bladder to decrease the muscles of the bladder’s ability to contract, which then eliminates the sense of urgency to urinate.

How much liquid do you drink on a daily basis? Do you find that you have to go to the bathroom more frequently when you don’t regulate your intake?