Overactive Bladder

Over active bladder (OAB) is the name given to the following collection of bladder symptoms:

• Urgency – a sudden and intense need to pass urine that cannot be put off. This can happen even when your bladder is not full. Sometimes you may not make it to the toilet in time and may leak. This is called urge incontinence.

• Frequency – going to the toilet many times during the day (usually more than 7).

• Nocturia – waking up more than once at night to go to the toilet.

Overactive bladder affects women (and men) of all ages and is not simply a result of getting older.

OAB symptoms are caused by the bladder muscle squeezing to empty out urine inappropriately. This often happens without warning, and when you do not want it to.

Your doctor or nurse will test your urine to rule out an infection, which is a common cause of OAB symptoms. You may have other tests to look for bladder stones and growths as well. OAB can also be caused by conditions affecting the nervous system. If you have had a previous operation for stress incontinence, you may also be more likely to have OAB. The amount and type of liquids that you drink may also contribute to your symptoms. For example, caffeinated drinks are thought to significantly worsen OAB symptoms.

For many women, however, the exact cause of their OAB is never found. Despite this, there are many treatments which can help you to manage your symptoms.