Overactive bladder (OAB) is a group of symptoms rather than a disease. The main one is a sudden, strong urge to pass urine that is hard to put off. People with OAB may also pass urine very often and wake at night to go. Some leak urine before they reach the toilet.
Common symptoms
- Sudden urinary urgency
- Frequent urination
- Getting up at night to pass urine (nocturia)
- Leakage with the urge
What can contribute
- An irritated bladder or a urinary infection
- Bladder stones
- In men, an enlarged prostate
- Drinking a lot of tea, coffee, fizzy drinks or alcohol
- Some medicines and medical conditions such as diabetes
Evaluation
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may suggest a urine test and an ultrasound scan. A bladder diary, where you note what you drink and when you pass urine, is very helpful.
Management
- Bladder training to slowly increase the time between visits to the toilet
- Adjusting fluids, and reducing bladder irritants such as caffeine
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Medicines, and other treatments for selected patients
If symptoms disturb your sleep, work or social life, a consultation can help to find the cause and the best way to treat it.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Treatment recommendations depend on each person’s clinical condition and medical evaluation.
