Conquering Fear with Wisdom

No one particularly enjoys encountering a health problem, especially when it deals with overactive bladder (OAB) issues. How could you if you suddenly feel an unfamiliar sensation of urine running down your legs? Or when you are afraid to laugh too hard because you could experience a leak?

Even though over 33 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder, most women simply aren’t talking about it and are not reporting their symptoms to their doctors.

What’s worse than not talking about OAB, is not admitting you have experienced it. Even when asked by their doctors, women choose not to disclose their issues and just accept the condition as a normal part of aging, which is age-related, not age-dependent. OAB is a life altering condition and is emotionally challenging for women. It is disruptive and interferes with quality of life, often coupled with feelings of embarrassment or fear of having an accident in public.

Additionally, frequent trips to the bathroom requires relentless planning of always knowing where the nearest bathroom is located. Some women feel they can no longer travel and would rather stay at home, feeling isolated in their safety net rather than confronting their condition. Needless to say, there is an overwhelming bout of stress and anxiety that comes along with OAB.

So, let’s not cross our legs with every sneeze and discuss the fear issue.

The same way we had to conquer our fears of monsters and ghosts as children should be taken when it comes to OAB. Once you become aware of what your fears are surrounding OAB, then you are in a more powerful position to deal with it. Bertrand Russell once said, “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.”

So, there is good news. You can improve your outlook and dispel those fears if you learn the facts about OAB. It’s important to gain an understanding of the symptoms associated with the condition, but always keep in mind that these symptoms can differ from person to person. You could have a brief evaluation with your doctor to determine the specific cause(s) of your OAB symptoms and then determine the best ways to address them. There are several treatments available to help you manage OAB symptoms.

Overactive bladder certainly does present many challenges to our lives. So, it is vitally important if you are having symptoms of OAB, to not be fearful of openly discussing these symptoms with your doctor. You and your doctor can develop a plan that is ideal for you.   
 
In conclusion, don’t let fear overtake your life. Look at your fear, challenge it, take ownership of it, and do something about it. The takeaway – take control of OAB before it takes control of you.   
 
This article was provided for use by Karen Giblin, from the Red Hot Mamas and is legally licensed by Urovant. For more information, visit https://redhotmamas.org/. 

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