The Overactive Bladder Diagnosis Process

If, shortly after consulting with a doctor, it is established that you need to get an official diagnosis regarding the prospect of overactive bladder (OAB,) there are a number of steps that will need to occur. Before you reach that point, you may want to review what will be required. If that is the case, please evaluate the information below from Metropolitan Urological Specialists pertaining to overactive bladder in Saint Louis, MO. We are going to walk you through the entire procedure, from the medical history to the voiding diary to the physical examination to the diagnostic procedures.

A thorough medical history is absolutely necessary for a suitable overactive bladder diagnosis. Typically, this means you are going to have to compile a journal of your bowel habits, whether there is discomfort involved, whether you have to strain, and your patterns of urination and whether or not there is any sort of leakage. There are a number of other factors that may be taken into consideration, including any history of illness you might have, surgeries and particularly pelvic surgeries you may have, pregnancies, and any medications you may be taking, including both prescription and non-prescription medication. Those are the big items which you will need to have prepared. However, if you are elderly, there is a possibility your Saint Louis urologist will request you to get an examination of your mental status and social and environmental factors.

When you have all of that background info put together, it is going to be time for your urological specialist to carry out the actual in-office examination. There are many different elements of a physical examination which might or might not be necessary for you specifically. Note that not all of these will necessarily need to happen in your specific case.

• A neurologic status examination of your abdomen, pelvis, genitals, and rectum.
• A cough stress test in which you cough vigorously while your doctor observes any urine loss that comes about. Precisely how much leakage occurs and the manner in which it transpires can speak volumes to the problem's origination.
• A urine test, which should identify any bacteria, blood, pus, or unwanted glucose or protein within the urine.
• A postvoid residual volume, or PRV, test. In this test, an ultrasound exam is going to take place right after you void, determining if there is any hesitancy, straining, or disrupted flow. Since the results can fluctuate, you might need to have this test carried out numerous times.
• A urodynamic examination, which establishes the pressure and capacity of your bladder. There are all types of assessments in this category, so be prepared for whatever your physician recommends for your Saint Louis overactive bladder diagnosis.
• A smattering of other endoscopic or imaging tests.

While all of these things might seem a tad uncomfortable, the fact remains that overactive bladder is something you must get diagnosed as soon as possible. There is absolutely no reason for you to need to face its symptoms when there is treatment readily accessible. Urological health is not a little something you can ignore. Whenever you are prepared to take the vital step of seeing a urology expert to diagnose your condition, please think about going to Metropolitan Urological Specialists. Their team of professionals is ready and willing to help patients in Creve Coeur, Washington, Florissant, Crestwood, and all over the Saint Louis, Missouri area.