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Michelle Sabia, MPH, CPH

Program Manager

Michelle Sabia has a passion for health equity and has dedicated her career to supporting underserved populations through education, direct service programming and advocacy. She is certified in public health and received her master's in public health from George Washington University. She brings over a decade of experience in healthcare nonprofits and healthcare delivery settings to her role at HealthyWomen where she specializes in education programs for military healthcare providers and active-duty servicewomen. Most recently, Michelle managed federal payment programs and community health initiatives at a local health system in Washington state. Her proudest accomplishment was designing and implementing a social determinants of health program to address the social needs of patients in clinical settings.

Michelle's professional passions bleed into her volunteer work where she serves on the board of directors of the Neighborhood Clinic Tacoma, a free clinic serving those who can't access or afford healthcare services.

Though she currently resides in Washington and loves the unique natural beauty of the area, Michelle was born and raised in the Northeast and is quick to tell you that her heart will always be in New York. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy raising backyard chickens, hiking, cooking and traveling. They look forward to welcoming their first child in Spring of 2022.

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Overactive Bladder Can Affect Your Daily Life Infographic

Overactive Bladder Can Affect Your Daily Life

If you need to pee frequently, find out how you can manage this common condition

Conditions & Treatments
overactive bladder

Overactive Bladder Can Affect Your Daily Life Infographic. Click to view PDF


What is overactive bladder?  

Overactive bladder occurs when muscles in the bladder start to tighten on their own. When the muscles contract, it creates an urgent need to pee.

4 out of 10 U.S. women have overactive bladder. 

Symptoms of overactive bladder

  • Sudden need to pee

  • Urgency incontinence (sudden need to pee that causes leakage) 

  • Peeing 8+ times in 24 hours 

  • Waking up more than 2x a night to pee 

The average person pees 6–7 times in 24 hours. 

Risk factors for overactive bladder

  • Being born female

  • Age 45+ (for people assigned female at birth) 

  • Menopause 

  • Having overweight or obesity 

  • Smoking

  • Depression or anxiety 

  • Certain medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or IBS

Getting help for overactive bladder

Sometimes lifestyle changes can relieve symptoms. 

  • Quitting smoking

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Eating a healthy diet

  • Drinking plenty of water

  • Exercising regularly 

  • Limiting foods that irritate your bladder

    • coffee, alcohol, acidic foods

Other treatments include:

  • Biofeedback 

  • Bladder training 

  • Pelvic floor therapy 

  • Medications that relax the bladder 

  • Botox injections 

  • Nerve stimulation 

  • Surgery 

It’s common for women with overactive bladder to experience psychological distress, anxiety and depression. Talk to a mental health professional about your symptoms. 

 

This educational resource was created with support from Sumitomo Pharma, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.

 

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