Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder risk factors

Overactive bladder is more common among older women who have gone through menopause. Other factors, including disease, injury or vaginal childbirth, can also put you more at risk. Your lifestyle can also affect your bladder.

Risk factors for OAB include:

• Age: Your chances increase with age. About 30% of women over 75 experience overactive bladder symptoms.
• Being overweight or obese: A high body mass index (BMI) is linked with a greater chance of having an overactive bladder.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage nerves in your urinary tract and high glucose in the urine can increase urinary frequency.
• Heavy metal exposure: Heavy metals can damage your nerves.
• Prostate issues: An enlarged prostate in men can put pressure on your bladder.
• Sex: Women are more likely to have the condition than men.
• Neurological conditions: Strokes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis can affect your bladder muscles and nerves.
• Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder.
• Spinal cord or brain injuries: These can affect the nerves controlling your bladder and the signals it sends to your brain.

Complications of overactive bladder

An overactive bladder can affect your health, work and social life. Many people find it embarrassing to talk about, and it can affect your relationships and lead to feelings of social isolation. If not treated, OAB can lead to further medical issues, such as infection and skin irritation.

• Depression and anxiety: Bladder problems can take a toll on your mental health.
• Interrupted sleep: A constant need to use the bathroom at night can disturb your sleep, causing fatigue, reduced energy and other health problems.
• Reduced physical activity: Being active is important for overall health, but some people find running, brisk walking or other exercise can lead to leaks.
• Skin irritation: Leaking urine can cause skin rash and irritation.

How is an overactive bladder diagnosed?

If you're having frequent or sudden urges to pee, leaking urine or waking up often at night to go, your doctor may check for an overactive bladder. Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms, a physical exam and a few simple tests. These help rule out other possible causes and guide the best treatment for you.

Overactive bladder treatment

If you’re living with overactive bladder, treatment can help reduce sudden urges, frequent trips to the bathroom and leakage. Your doctor will likely start with the most conservative approaches first and move to other options if symptoms don’t improve.

Frequently asked questions