Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is the name of a group of urinary symptoms. OAB is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. The most common symptom of OAB is a sudden urge to urinate that cannot be controlled. Sometimes, this urge to urinate will be accompanied by the involuntary leaking of urine, which is called "incontinence." Incontinence - the loss of bladder control – is related to OAB and can be caused by nerve problems, too much fluid, or too much caffeine intake. The need to urinate frequently is another symptom of OAB.

People who have OAB may:

• urinate 8 or more times a day or 2 or more times at night
• have the sudden, strong need to urinate immediately
• leak urine after a sudden, strong urge to urinate

Management of OAB often begins with behavioral strategies, such as fluid schedules, timed urination, and bladder-holding techniques using your pelvic floor. If these initial efforts do not improve OAB symptoms, other treatments are available, including medicines that calm muscles and nerves in the bladder.

OAB can cause embarrassment, isolation, and poor quality of life. However, OAB can often be managed and people with OAB can live a normal, active life.

OAB occurs when the muscles of the bladder start to contract involuntarily even when the volume of urine in your bladder is low. This involuntary contraction creates the urgent need to urinate.

Several conditions may contribute to signs and symptoms of OAB, including:

• neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, strokes, and multiple sclerosis
• high urine production that might occur with high fluid intake, poor kidney function, or diabetes
• medications that cause a rapid increase in urine production or that require that you take them with lots of fluids
• acute urinary tract infections that can cause symptoms similar to an overactive bladder
• abnormalities in the bladder, such as tumors or bladder stones
• factors that obstruct bladder outflow such as an enlarged prostate, constipation, or previous operations to treat other forms of incontinence
• excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol
• declining cognitive function due to aging, which may make it more difficult for your bladder to understand the signals it receives from your brain
• difficulty walking, which can lead to bladder urgency if you are unable to get to the bathroom quickly
• incomplete bladder emptying, which may lead to symptoms of overactive bladder, as you have little urine storage space left
• constipation

Often, the specific cause of an overactive bladder is not known.

As you grow older, the risk of OAB symptoms increases, but OAB and urine leakage are not “normal” or expected parts of the aging process.

Both men and women are at risk for OAB. Women who have gone through menopause and men who have had prostate problems seem to be at greater risk for OAB.

See your doctor if a frequent or sudden urge to urinate, or leaking, affects your daily life or sleep. Treatments are available, and a check-up can rule out infection or other causes.