1. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures
2. Urinary Incontinence in Men Slideshow Pictures
3. Food & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The diagnosis of overactive bladder can be suspected based on the history and presenting complaints of an individual. A thorough medical history and physical examination by the doctor and review of the medications and symptoms often provide major clues in moving toward making a diagnosis of overactive bladder. A pelvic exam in women and prostate exam in men are important in the assessment of an individual with overactive bladder.

Basic blood work and urinalysis can complement history and physical examination. Usually blood chemistry and kidney function tests are ordered to evaluate for possible metabolic problems, such as diabetes. Urinalysis with urine culture is also helpful to assess for any existing urine infection or other urinary and kidney disorders. Sometimes urine cytology studies can be performed to see if any cancer cells may be present in the urine suggesting bladder cancer.

Another useful test in evaluating for OAB is a post-void residual (PVR). This entails measuring the amount of urine in the bladder after urination using an ultrasound or by placing a catheter in the bladder through the urethra.

Urologists may further investigate urinary symptoms by performing urodynamic measurements. These tests can provide estimated detrusor muscle activity by measuring the pressure in the urinary bladder.

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