What is it?
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition where the bladder muscle contracts too often, causing a frequent and urgent need to urinate — sometimes leading to leakage (urge incontinence). It can significantly affect quality of life, but it is not a normal part of ageing and is often treatable.
Key Symptoms:
- Sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Needing to urinate frequently (typically >8 times in 24 hours)
- Night-time waking to pass urine (nocturia)
- In some cases, leakage before reaching the toilet
Causes & Risk Factors:
OAB can occur without an obvious cause, but contributing factors include:
- Age-related changes in bladder or nerves
- Conditions such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease
- Bladder irritation (e.g. from infection, caffeine, or certain medications)
- Obesity and reduced mobility
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis usually involves a medical history, symptom diary, urine tests, and sometimes bladder scans or urodynamic studies to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options:
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine/alcohol, timed voiding, bladder training, weight loss.
- Pelvic floor therapy: Strengthening muscles to improve bladder control.
- Medications: Drugs that calm bladder muscle overactivity.
- Advanced options: Botox injections into the bladder, nerve stimulation therapies, or surgery in rare cases.
Why seek help?
OAB is common but often under-reported because people feel embarrassed. Effective treatments exist, and many patients see major improvements in symptoms and daily life.