How Much Do You Know About an Overactive Bladder?

Some people blame frequent trips to the bathroom on drinking too many beverages, getting older, or having a small bladder. Instead, the reason may be overactive bladder (OAB). Common symptoms of OAB include frequent trips to the bathroom. This means more then 8 times in 24 hours. You may need to get up several times during a night to use the bathroom. Other symptoms are overwhelming and unexpected urges to urinate, and an intense fear of not finding a toilet before it’s too late. OAB is a common condition that can be treated.

OAB and other types of urinary incontinence can be caused by certain medicines. These include water pills (diuretics), medicines for depression, and medicines for high blood pressure. Caffeinated beverages can also cause urinary incontinence. Urinary tract infections and nerve damage from childbirth or diabetes can also cause it.

About 6 people in 10 who have OAB need to urinate often and/or have an overwhelming, sudden urge to urinate. But they don't wet themselves. Fewer than half of people with OAB lose control of their bladder and release urine when they don’t want to. So, even those who make it to the bathroom in time may have OAB if they have the symptoms of frequency and urgency.

Although it is more common in adults with a vagina after menopause, adults of any age can have OAB. OAB is not a normal part of aging. Remember, you are never too old to get help.

Loss of bladder control doesn’t just happen to older adults with a vagina who exercise. More than 1 in 4 elite, competitive college athletes with a vagina have urinary incontinence. Those with OAB often limit or stop their exercise routines because of the condition.

People with OAB are likely to skip fluids before they travel, go to bed, and leave the house. This may ease their symptoms, but drinking less liquid can cause dehydration. This is a dangerous condition in which the body’s water levels drop too low. Severe dehydration requires a stay in the hospital. Dehydration in older adults may cause falls from dizziness or cause feelings of confusion.

More than half of all sexually active adults with a vagina who have bladder control problems also have sexual difficulties. It is common for these adults to urinate upon penetration, or leak or empty their bladder during orgasm. Adults with a vagina who have OAB are likely to avoid sexual relationships because they worry about embarrassing situations that could occur.

More than half of adults with a vagina who have bladder control problems think their symptoms affect their work and social relationships. Adults with a vagina who have OAB often become preoccupied with hiding their condition. They may constantly check their clothes for wetness, try to mask urine smells with perfume, and frequently visit the bathroom. These all make it harder to have a normal workday or take part in social activities.

OAB is treatable. People with the condition have more and better options today than in the past. A number of treatments are available, including new medicines with fewer side effects. Treatment also includes lifestyle and behavior changes. If you think you have OAB, discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider.