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Overactive bladder

Living with symptoms of overactive bladder can be uncomfortable. Learn about the condition and the treatment options that may help you find relief.

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What is overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is an umbrella term that includes the frequent and urgent need to empty your bladder. One of the most common overactive bladder symptoms is a sudden urge to urinate, resulting in unintentional urine loss.

Overactive bladder affects nearly 1 in 3 adults over 40 in the U.S.1

Other symptoms of OAB

  • Urgency — a sudden or compelling need to urinate
  • Urgency urinary incontinence — an urgent need to urinate, possibly with accidental bladder leakage
  • Frequency — urinating so often that it disrupts your life, typically eight or more times a day
  • Nocturia — waking up more than once per night to urinate

Dual incontinence

Some people experience both bladder and bowel control symptoms, known as dual incontinence.

Learn about bowel incontinence

How is OAB treated?

Your treatment journey starts with a conversation. Schedule an appointment with a provider that specializes in incontinence, who can evaluate symptoms and guide next steps. 

Talking to your doctor

Your doctor might recommend the following approaches first:
  • Discuss OAB symptoms 
    • Tracking bathroom visits, fluid intake, and leakage over several days helps paint a clearer picture of bladder behavior 
  • Start a baseline bladder diary
    • Track daily habits, fluid intake, and urinary patterns. This step provides valuable insight for tailoring care. 
  • Undergo recommended diagnostic tests
    • Your doctor may recommend tests to better understand bladder function and rule out other conditions
  • Explore treatment options
    • Based on symptoms and test results, a doctor can recommend a personalized treatment plan

Initial support

Your doctor may recommend the following approaches first:
  • Bladder training exercises
    • Relearn the bladder’s natural rhythm through techniques designed to increase control and reduce urgency. Physical therapists can assist with bladder training by using tools to help patients better understand how to strengthen the pelvic muscles and by tailoring treatment to individual needs.
  • Lifestyle changes
    • Adjusting fluid intake and diet can significantly improve symptoms. Caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods may be contributing to discomfort.
  • Prescription medications
    • Medications may relax bladder muscles, reduce spasms, and improve control

Advanced therapies

If you were not satisfied with the results, there are advanced options that may provide lasting relief.

  • Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) 
    • This minimally invasive therapy may help restore normal communication between the brain and the bladder and bowel by providing stimulation. It can deliver continuous relief for several years.
  • Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
    • This non-surgical therapy delivers stimulation to the nerves near the ankle that may help control bladder function. Treatments are performed in a doctor’s office, usually weekly for 12 sessions, followed by monthly maintenance as needed. PTNS may help reduce urgency, frequency, and leakage episodes.
  • Botulinum Toxin (BTX) Injections
    • Botulinum toxin can be injected directly into the bladder muscle and may help reduce involuntary contractions while increasing bladder capacity. The effects typically last 6 to 9 months before repeat treatment is needed.
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Treatment options

Find the OAB treatment option that works for you.

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Reference

  1. Coyne KS, Sexton CC. Vats V, Thompson C, Kopp ZS, Milsom I. National community prevalence of overactive bladder in the United States stratified by sex and age. Urology. 2011;77:1081–1087.