Survey Reveals 51 Percent Of Hispanic Women Do Not Think About Their Bladder Health

Women do it all – they work, raise families, attend school and care for elderly parents. Unfortunately, when it comes to their bladder health, especially when experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), they just cope rather than talk to their doctor.

The new Peehavior survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Astellas Pharma US, Inc., sheds light on women’s bathroom preferences and behavior. According to the survey, 51 percent of Hispanic women do not think about their bladder health.

In addition:

• Thirty-two percent do not confide in anyone about peeing frequently; however, 17 percent do talk to their mother about it.
• When out in public, 85 percent have peed somewhere other than a bathroom. In fact, just under a quarter have peed behind the bushes (24 percent).
• Almost half, 44 percent, have used the men’s bathroom because the women’s bathroom line was too long.

Approximately 46 million U.S. adults 40 years of age and older (and mostly women) experience OAB symptoms of urgency, frequency and leakage at least sometimes, which may be the difference between going or running to the bathroom.

Yet, only about 1 in 8 women with symptoms actually seek treatment. Stop Stalling aims to educate women about the importance of recognizing and addressing potential symptoms of OAB.

A Stop Stalling spokesperson shared with Latin Times the symptoms, causes and management of OAB. "When you have OAB (Overactive Bladder ), your brain tells your bladder it’s time to pee before it’s full. This can also happen when your bladder muscle is too active," says a Stop Stalling spokesperson. "Either way, your bladder muscle contracts too early, causing the bladder to empty before it should."

This can cause major symptoms of OAB, such as urgency, frequency and leakage.

• Urgency is when you feel a strong need to pee that is difficult to control
• Frequency means that you need to pee too often (usually 8 or more times a day)
• Leakage is also known as accidentally peeing after a sudden, uncontrollable urge

A healthcare professional may offer treatment options if you have some or all of these symptoms. There are many factors that can contribute to experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder, said a Stop Stalling spokesperson.

Understanding normal and abnormal bladder function is a good basis for understanding the lifestyle modifications and techniques your healthcare professional may recommend, which may include:

• Avoiding Excess Caffeine - Reducing caffeine intake may decrease the urgency and frequency with which you need to pee.
• Losing Weight - For people who are overweight or obese, weight loss may decrease the occurrence of leakage and accidents.
• Making Dietary Changes - Foods and beverages containing caffeine and artificial sweeteners, such as carbonated beverages, may contribute to OAB symptoms. Citrus fruits may also irritate the bladder .
• Exercising Pelvic Muscles - Pelvic floor muscle training, or “kegel exercises,” may help to improve strength and control. Behavioral therapies such as this may be introduced by nurses or physical therapists with training in pelvic floor therapy.
• Bladder Training - Distraction and relaxation techniques may be used to gradually increase the length of time between visits to the bathroom to pee.
• Absorbent Garments - Pads, panty liners, diapers and other absorbent garments can be used to manage leaking.

"For some people, lifestyle and behavioral changes may not be enough, and medication, procedures and/or surgery may be considered to help manage OAB symptoms," said a Stop Stalling spokesperson. "Your doctor may also recommend combining behavioral or lifestyle changes with medication to best control symptoms and improve your quality of life."

Additional management options include:

• Medications - There are over-the-counter and prescription options that you and your doctor may discuss.
• Procedures - Talk to your doctor about non-medication therapies.
• Surgery - While surgical options for managing OAB exist, they are typically used as a last resort in select patients.