Overactive Bladder (OAB): Your Quick Guide
What Is OAB?
- OAB means your bladder sends signals to empty too often or too urgently, even when it’s not full.
- Key features may include:
- Urgency (sudden, intense need to urinate)
- Frequency (going more often than 8 times a day)
- Nocturia (waking during the night to urinate)
- Urge incontinence (leaking before reaching the bathroom)
How a Healthy Bladder Works (vs. OAB)
- As your bladder fills, stretch sensors tell your brain to hold off until a convenient time.
- The sphincter and pelvic floor muscles maintain control until you decide to empty.
- In OAB, signals get mixed up: bladder muscles contract inappropriately, often prematurely, causing the “gotta-go now” feeling.
What May Cause OAB (Risk Factors)
- Aging changes in nerve communication or bladder tissue
- Bladder irritation (e.g. from infection, stones)
- Neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s, MS)
- Medications (diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines)
- Caffeine, alcohol
- Constipation or pelvic floor dysfunction
- History of pregnancy, childbirth
How OAB Is Diagnosed
- Healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, fluid intake, and medical history
- Urine test to rule out infection
- Bladder diary: record times, volumes, urgency, leaks. Also record your fluid intake (type of drink, how much, what time).
- Flow tests or ultrasound to check how well the bladder empties
- Urodynamic studies in some cases (measure pressures, volume, contraction behavior)
Self-Care & Lifestyle Strategies
Diet & Fluids
- Avoid bladder irritants: caffeine (coffee, tea, soda), alcohol, citrus juices, spicy or acidic foods
- Don’t over-restrict fluids — very concentrated urine may worsen irritation
- Time fluids sensibly: reduce intake 2–3 hours before bed
Bladder Training
- Delay urination gradually: if you go every hour, try holding 10–15 minutes longer, then increase incrementally
- Distract or use relaxation — cross legs, deep breaths, mental counting
- Use timed voiding (go only on a schedule during the day)
Pelvic Floor / Muscle Control
- Kegel (pelvic floor) contractions: squeeze muscles around the bladder/urethra
- Use them when you feel urgency to help suppress the contraction
- Practice them throughout the day
General Healthy Habits
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay active / exercise regularly (if tolerated and approved by your healthcare provider)
- Prevent and manage constipation
- Stop smoking if applicable
- Use good toileting posture (lean forward slightly, relax)
Medical & Advanced Treatments
- Medications: anticholinergics, beta-3 agonists may reduce bladder overactivity
- Botox® injections: into the bladder wall to reduce contractions
- Nerve stimulation: such as tibial nerve stimulation or sacral neuromodulation
- In some cases, surgery may be considered if other treatments fail
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms despite self-care
- Pain while urinating, burning, or unexplained bleeding
- Inability to empty your bladder fully
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Changes in urinary output or new neurological symptoms
- Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
Key Takeaways
- Lifestyle changes, bladder training, and pelvic floor work often help
- Medication or advanced therapies may be needed
- Early evaluation is important — don’t just “live with it”
This handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Sources:
- https://resources.mycarecoordinator.com/hubfs/Overactive-Bladder-OAB-Brochure.pdf
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14248-overactive-bladder
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/o/overactive-bladder-(oab)