Symptoms of overactive bladder can vary but often include:

• Frequent urination, including waking up multiple times at night
• Sudden and strong urgency to urinate
• Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine)

OAB may result from a variety of factors that affect bladder function. Common causes include:

• Stroke or nerve damage affecting bladder communication
• Side effects of certain medications
• Urinary tract infections or bladder stones
• Enlarged prostate in men
• Overconsumption of fluids or bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated drinks

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing OAB, such as:

• Age: OAB is more common in older adults.
• Cognitive Decline: Conditions like dementia or stroke can impair bladder control.
• Neurological Disorders: Diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s.
• Diabetes: Affects nerve function and bladder health.
• Menopause: Hormonal changes in women may contribute to OAB symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adjusting daily habits, such as regulating fluid intake and avoiding bladder irritants, can significantly improve symptoms.

Medications

Prescription drugs can help relax the bladder muscles and reduce urgency and frequency.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Exercises, including Kegels and biofeedback, help strengthen pelvic floor muscles to support bladder control.

Nerve Stimulation

Using electrical impulses to stimulate bladder nerves can improve communication and reduce OAB symptoms. These include sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS).

Botox Injections

Botox injections into the bladder muscles relax the bladder, reducing urgency and incontinence.

Surgical Options

In severe cases unresponsive to other treatments, surgical interventions may be considered to improve bladder function.