With just over 20 million sufferers, overactive bladder (OAB) is the second-most common chronic condition affecting American women today. Those with this often debilitating condition face a life of worry, isolation, dependence, and decreased quality of life. While OAB is more common in older women, it is not a normal part of aging and can usually be successfully treated.
The personal embarrassment associated with incontinence often prevents sufferers from discussing their OAB with others, including their doctors. This lack of communication leads to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the condition. In order to encourage more physician patient communication about OAB and increase successful management and treatment, the Alliance for Aging Research has developed educational resources and communication tools for both the patients and the health care professionals (HCPs). The patient resources emphasize that OAB is not a normal part of aging and that there are effective treatments available. The health care professional resources facilitate successful conversations and encourage them to work together with the patient as a team to help them take the first step towards regaining their lives.
The personal embarrassment associated with incontinence often prevents sufferers from discussing their OAB with others, including their doctors. This lack of communication leads to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the condition. In order to encourage more physician patient communication about OAB and increase successful management and treatment, the Alliance for Aging Research has developed educational resources and communication tools for both the patients and the health care professionals (HCPs). The patient resources emphasize that OAB is not a normal part of aging and that there are effective treatments available. The health care professional resources facilitate successful conversations and encourage them to work together with the patient as a team to help them take the first step towards regaining their lives.