(NAPSA)-A new legislative trend dubbed
"potty parity" may help many women alleviate the long wait for the
restroom. For women who suffer from the stress and embarrassment of
overactive bladder, it may not be enough.
Potty parity
statutes already passed in more than 20 cities and are currently under
consideration across the U.S. This restroom equity bill requires new
public buildings and those undergoing major renovations to install two
toilets for women for every one provided for men.
Although more
stalls are a convenient addition, they may not necessarily provide
enough of a solution for the problems facing women with an overactive
bladder. Overactive bladder is a condition that approximately 33 million
Americans tolerate on a daily basis, but they don't have to. It can
usually be effectively treated with a combination of behavioral therapy
and medication.
"It is a common
myth that overactive bladder is a normal part of aging and nothing can
be done about it," said Scott MacDiarmid, M.D., associate professor of
the department of urology at Wake Forest University. "Millions of women
who suffer from an overactive bladder need to know there is help. Women
should talk to their doctor about options that may include a
prescription treatment to help them gain control of this condition."
People with
overactive bladders suffer from a sense of urgency, accidents and
frequent trips to the bathroom (as much as eight or more times a day).
Unfortunately, up
to two-thirds of sufferers do not seek treatment due to shame, fear or
false perception.
Instead, they find
ways to cope, such as avoiding travel or social functions, wearing dark,
baggy clothing or mapping out bathrooms in public places.
But there
are prescription medications proven to successfully treat the symptoms
of overactive bladder. Talk to your doctor about options if this is a
concern for you.
