What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)? Bladder Help

What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is not a condition as such but rather a group of urinary symptoms defined by a problem with bladder storage where the bladder muscle (detrusor) contracts too often or spontaneously and involuntarily. It often includes, and is therefore closely related to, incontinence.

There is a reported incidence of OAB ranging between 12-17% in Europe alone and a suggested 1 in 6 people is suffering from symptoms in the UK. The incidence of OAB increases with age but should not be accepted as a normal part of the ageing process.

The symptoms of OAB are typically:

Urinary urgency (a sudden, strong need to pass urine)
Urgency incontinence (the sudden need to pass urine before reaching a toilet, leaking urine)
Urinary frequency (the need to pass urine more than 8 times per day)
Nocturnia (needing to go to the toilet more than once at night)
Bed-wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
Leaking urine during sex (coital incontinence)

The causes of overactive bladder

No one single cause has been identified for OAB. Typically, the causes are multi-factorial. They can include:

Infection of the bladder and/or kidneys (cystitis, UTI)
Interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammation of the bladder wall)
Neurogenic conditions such as Parkinson’s, Stroke or Multiple Sclerosis
Nervous system dysfunction
Excess intake of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol
Medication side-effects
Bladder obstruction
Bladder muscle (detrusor) over-activity related to a neurologic or muscular cause
Spinal cord injury
Certain foods
Diabetes
Vaginitis
Stress

How is overactive bladder diagnosed?

A diagnosis is usually based on a complete history, a physical examination and urinalysis (urine flow and capacity). It is also a diagnosis of exclusion.