Alliance for Aging Research: Take Control: Quiz

Speak up! Take back control.

Take this quiz to find out if you could have overactive bladder and how you can and should start an important conversation with your health care professional about your bladder health.

[Note: Your results can be printed out and taken with you to your next visit.]

1) How often do you usually urinate during daytime hours?

2 to 3 times (every 6 to 8 hours)

4 to 7 times (every 3 to 4 hours)

8 or more times (at least every 2 hours)

2) When you feel the urge to go, how would you describe those urges?

Strong

Sudden

None of the these

3) Do you ever have any urine leakage with these urges?

No--I always make it on time without any leaking

No--but there have been times where I thought I wouldn't make it

Yes--but it's rare

Yes--all the time

4) True or False--Overactive Bladder is a normal part of aging

True

False

5) How common is overactive bladder in people over the age of 40?

1 in 100

1 in 20

1 in 6

6) Are you male or female?

Male

Female

7) Do you ever do any of the following to address your symptoms?

Avoid social, work, or intimate situations for fear that you'll have a sudden urge to go or even a bladder accident?

Before you leave home, do you always make sure you know where the nearest bathroom is, and use one even if you don't need to go?

Wear absorbent products (e.g. pantiliners or pads) or dark, padded clothing for protection?

Drink less water, or avoid certain foods or drinks, in an attempt to reduce the need to go?

Avoid exercise for fear that it will cause leakage?

Rush to the bathroom constantly to avoid accidents.

No—I've never had to take any of those steps to prevent a bladder accident because I never have to go that badly

8) Have you talked to your health care professional about your symptoms? If not, why?

Yes

Yes, but I was told not to worry about it because it was due to childbirth, my age, or wasn't serious.

No--I just have a small bladder and am not worried about it

No--I'm getting older and just have to live with it

No--It's a consequence of childbirth that I just have to accept

No--I've not known how to talk about it--it's embarrassing to discuss

9) True or false? Overactive bladder will go away on its own?

True

False

10) True or false? Overactive bladder is primarily treated with surgery?

True

False