Treatments for Overactive Bladder?

I have what I believe to be overactive bladder. All the things I've read say that it is very uncommon in women of my age. I'm 24 now and I've had this since I've been about 18. It has gotten slightly better over time, but I still have issues with urgency. When it hits, I HAVE to go. Sometimes I can't even get 5 feet toward the bathroom. I also have issues with frequency and when I go it will feel like I have a full bladder but it's only a tiny amount and happens often. I do not drink a lot of water or other beverages. Maybe 20 ounces a day, sometimes more, sometimes less.

I can usually deal when I am sitting down, but it almost feels like I always have to go no matter if I just went. I usually always have dampness (leakage?) even when I'm not holding it. It's embarassing, but I have had many incidences (some in public or at work) over the past years. It has been not as bad recently.

I CAN'T GO TO THE DOCTOR BECAUSE I HAVE NO INSURANCE. I need other treatment ideas or diagnoses?

Until you can see a doctor I guess you're stuck. You NEED to have your problem diagnosed; shooting in the dark and guessing isn't doing anyone -- least of all you -- any good at all.

There are several prescription medications on the market that work well for OAB...the most common of which is a drug called Detrol LA. But to get a treatment medication, you need to get in to see a doctor.

I would recommend that you start by calling your county health agency, or public health clinic. The clinics work on a sliding scale, where you pay what you can afford. It's better than nothing, and it's a place to start finding answers.

It also sounds like the symptoms of a UTI although it couldn't last so long without getting worse. Try drinking a lot of cranberry juice and see if that helps. Also, wearing a panty liner daily may help if you leak a little bit. Good luck!