Although overactive bladder symptoms are more common as people get older, it can happen at any age. Urinary incontinence is not a normal part of that process. If you find you often feel an urgent and overwhelming need to urinate, are making too many trips to the bathroom, and sometimes have leakages, you may have a bladder problem and should contact your GP for advice and treatment.
Most adults urinate four to seven times a day and only must get up once during the night, or not at all, to use the bathroom. If you find that you urinate eight or more times in a 24-hour period, and get up to urinate two or more times a night, then you may have a bladder problem and should talk to your GP about possible causes.
Yes, there are several types of urinary incontinence. These include:
If you think you may be experiencing a bladder control problem, try the questionnaire.
Yes, OAB is very treatable and is not just something you need to accept, but it requires commitment from you and your doctor. Overactive bladder symptoms can be managed successfully by training your bladder, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and, if needed, by medication.
Bladder training, for those with an overactive bladder, involves learning to delay trips to the toilet when you feel the urge. You start by delaying for short periods of time while gradually building up to longer periods of time between urges. Bladder training is effective in helping you regain control over your bladder, but you must be patient as it can take from three weeks to three months to see results.
Overactive bladder (OAB) is more common than you think - about 350,000 people in Ireland may be affected by OAB. It is important to remember that OAB is a medical condition where the bladder squeezes uncontrollably. It is not your fault and it is not something you have to live with. OAB is very treatable so take that first step and contact your doctor.7
There are several things you can do to help avoid embarrassing accidents. Certain drinks, for example, can make urinary symptoms worse and those are typically caffeinated drinks, alcohol, fizzy drinks and citrus fruit juice. Spicy foods may also irritate the bladder so try to cut down or cut out these potential OAB triggers. If you find that you regularly leak urine you can wear a discreet pad in your underwear for peace of mind. You should consult your doctor about any accidents you’re experiencing.
Try not to drink anything for an hour or more before sex and make a quick trip to the bathroom to empty your bladder before slipping between the sheets. For peace of mind, you can use a ‘feel dry’ protective bed sheet just in case.
No, there is no single cause of an overactive bladder. The overwhelming urge to urinate, which is one of the leading symptoms of OAB, is as a result of involuntary bladder muscle contractions (squeezing) and this can be caused by a number of factors, such as urinary tract infection, constipation, a blockage of the bladder (ie. tumour, enlarged prostate etc), drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, strokes and multiple sclerosis, and some medications.