OVERVIEW
Overactive bladder is a condition characterized by bladder contractions that occur without “permission” from the patient. This may or may not cause urinary incontinence or leakage of urine. Many factors can cause overactive bladder, including dietary factors, chronic bladder obstruction, neurologic causes and others. This may be treated with medication and lifestyle modification alone, but other interventions are available.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms that suggest overactive bladder, including:
Increased urinary frequency – urinating at least eight times a day
- Urgency of urination
- Urinating at least three times in the middle of the night
- Urge incontinence
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose overactive bladder, your doctor will review your medical history and ask you questions regarding your urine frequency and urgency. Your doctor may also perform tests, which may include:
- Urinalysis to check for conditions that can cause overactive bladder
- Postvoid residual volume test to see whether the bladder empties fully
- Bladder stress test
- Ultrasound
- Cystoscopy
Treatment
If you have overactive bladder, your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment option. The choice of treatment will depend on how severe symptoms are and how they interfere with your lifestyle. Typical treatments for overactive bladder include pelvic-muscle strengthening, behavioral therapies and medications.