![IG POSTS [Wk 1]_edited_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e60ec2_429354349a6f49ea946b50645d7c8b5a~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_52,y_185,w_180,h_706/fill/w_38,h_149,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IG%20POSTS%20%5BWk%201%5D_edited_edited.png){kind=small}
What is Overactive Bladder?
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition marked by a frequent and urgent need to urinate, sometimes accompanied by involuntary urine leakage (urge incontinence). This urgency can occur even when the bladder is not full and may disrupt daily routines, work, sleep, and social activities.
OAB can affect both men and women and becomes more common with age, but it is not an inevitable part of getting older. The condition can be linked to nerve signals between the bladder and brain, bladder muscle overactivity, or certain health conditions such as diabetes or neurological disorders.
Symptoms
Signs of overactive bladder may include:
​
-
Sudden, strong urge to urinate that’s difficult to control
-
Frequent urination - often more than 8 times in 24 hours
-
Urge incontinence - involuntary leakage following a strong urge
-
Waking up more than once during the night to urinate (nocturia)
-
Disrupted sleep and daily activities due to bladder urgency
Diagnosis & Treatment
A thorough evaluation helps identify the cause and best treatment plan. This may involve a medical history review, bladder diary, urine tests, and sometimes urodynamic studies to measure bladder function.
Treatment options can include:
-
Lifestyle changes - limiting bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol), timed voiding, and pelvic floor exercises
-
Medications - to relax bladder muscles and reduce urgency
-
Bladder training - gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits
-
Pelvic floor therapy - to strengthen bladder control
-
Advanced therapies - such as Botox injections or nerve stimulation in persistent cases