Overactive Bladder (OAB) affects how your bladder behaves, leading to involuntary and sudden contraction or squeezing of the muscle in the wall of the bladder—even when the volume of urine in your bladder is low. To help those experiencing OAB we spoke to a number of experts in the field of urology to learn more.

We chatted to Dr. Sarah Murphy on the InControl Podcast who explained, "Your bladder is a muscle, it’s supposed to contract or squeeze when you go to the toilet. Sometimes, for whatever reason, it starts to squeeze involuntarily, and that leads to really bothersome symptoms." While many people suffer from OAB without knowing exactly what it is, the reality is that OAB is both common and manageable, and understanding the symptoms is the first step in improving your quality of life.

Take Control of Your Bladder Health and Manage OAB Successfully 

Managing OAB starts with understanding your symptoms and seeking the right support. Dr. James Forde emphasises, "There’s a lot of patients who are living with this in silence. They’re very embarrassed to seek medical help because they think it’s not common, when it’s hugely common." Start by tracking your symptoms in a journal and discussing them with your GP. From there, you can explore a range of treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication.

As Dr. Sarah Murphy notes, "About a third of people in Ireland don’t even know what OAB is.” By understanding Overactive Bladder and addressing it proactively, you can reduce its impact on your life and regain confidence in your daily routine. Don’t wait—take the first step towards taking control of your bladder health today.

Symptoms

Dr. James Forde explained on the InControl podcast that, “The bladder can have a mind of its own." With OAB, the bladder works overtime, contracting (shortening of the detrusor muscle) more often than it should and at inappropriate times. In people with Overactive Bladder, the bladder muscles seem to give the wrong messages to the brain, causing the bladder to feel more full than it actually is. Common symptoms of OAB include:

• Urgency: A sudden, strong urge to empty the bladder quickly.
• Frequency: Going to the toilet more often than you did before. 
• Nocturia: Being woken up at night several times to go to the toilet.

How Does OAB Affect Daily Life?

Living with OAB can significantly disrupt your daily routine, from limiting social activities to disturbing sleep. Many individuals may feel anxious about finding a toilet in time, which can lead to embarrassment and potential isolation. As Dr. James Forde highlights, "You can get extreme cases where patients are afraid to socialise." It’s important to remember that you are not alone and that changes to lifestyle and diet can be effective in the management of OAB symptoms. There are several things you can incorporate into your daily routine with little effort and should help you effectively take control of your bladder problems

By understanding the food and drink that are recommended for those managing OAB and the food and drink that should be avoided, you can take control of your symptoms. More information about this food and drink is available on OAB.ie here.

Why You Should Visit Your GP

While there are many ways to begin to manage your Overactive Bladder symptoms, your GP is a key ally in managing OAB. By speaking to your GP, they can help determine if your symptoms are due to OAB or another condition and create a tailored treatment plan for you. Your GP might recommend lifestyle changes, bladder training or pelvic floor exercises we have mentioned above, or they could work with you to find appropriate medication that will relax your bladder muscles to reduce urgency.