Take charge of your bladder health

For many, bladder health problems go unnoticed until symptoms get worse. It can feel embarrassing to talk about bladder issues, but addressing your symptoms early and seeking help from a health care provider can mean significant relief and major improvements in your everyday life.

This Bladder Health Awareness month, we want to highlight the importance of taking care of your bladder health and seeking help when needed.

Take the story of Army Veteran John Lawton for example. For years, Lawton's life was defined by constant restroom trips, requiring breaks nearly every 10 minutes. He tried various medications and treatments, but nothing seemed to help. The frustration and inconvenience were overwhelming, affecting his daily life and activities.

One day, Lawton decided he had had enough. He reached out to his VA primary care doctor who referred him to Dr. Michael Hickman, a urologist in Billings, Montana. Dr. Hickman introduced him to a bladder nerve modulator, a device designed to help manage his overactive bladder.

The bladder nerve modulator has made all the difference in John's quality of life. He can now participate in his favorite family activities with less worry and more relief. "I'm able to play ball, fish and travel with my wife and our seven grandchildren who live with us, without having the sudden urges to urinate," he shared.

Lawton's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing bladder health issues early. Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB) is a condition where the bladder muscles squeeze involuntarily, causing an intense urge to pee. This urgency can occur many times during the day and night and, if urine leaks with urgency, it is called urge incontinence.

Several factors can cause OAB, including diseases that affect the bladder nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, urinary tract infections or prostate problems in men. The exact cause is often unknown. It's important to note that OAB is not a normal part of aging and if you have symptoms, you should seek medical treatment.

Diagnosing OAB involves a thorough examination by a health care provider who will ask about your symptoms and health history. Health care providers may also perform or request urine tests, urinary diaries, bladder ultrasounds, cystoscopies or urodynamic studies to measure and record various aspects of bladder function.

Treatment for OAB depends on the cause and severity of the case. Options may include changing your urinary habits, making dietary changes, pelvic muscle exercises, biofeedback, medication, neuromodulation, botulinum toxin shots, or surgery in severe cases. With proper treatment, OAB can be managed, allowing you to make active changes in your daily routine to improve your quality of life.

If you experience symptoms of OAB it's crucial to reach out to your health care provider. Call them right away if you have a fever of 100.4° F (38°C) or higher, if your symptoms don't get better or get worse with treatment, if you have trouble urinating because of pain, or if you experience back or belly pain. These could be signs of an infection or reaction to medication.

Lawton's journey to relief is a testament to the value of seeking help and addressing bladder health issues early. By Connecting to VA Care, you, too, can find relief and enjoy a better quality of life. This Bladder Health Awareness Month, take charge of your wellbeing. Reach out to your health care provider if you experience any symptoms of poor bladder health.