What Causes Overactive Bladder And What To Do About The Condition

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Overactive bladder is a quite common condition – about 33 million Americans suffer from it. Many cases go unreported because people are often too embarrassed to discuss the problem with their doctors. The condition can negatively affect all areas of your life if it’s not properly addressed in a timely manner. Fortunately, overactive bladder can be brought under control by treating the underlying cause and making certain lifestyle changes.

Here are the symptoms of overactive bladder:

- sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate;

- urge incontinence – leakage of urine right after one feels the urge to urinate;

- frequent urination – peeing 8 times a day or more;


- nocturia – waking up to urinate 2 or more times per night.

Even if urge incontinence is not on the list of your symptoms, the condition can make your life quite uncomfortable. You should talk to your doctor about possible treatment options if you have the symptoms described above. The treatment will depend on the cause.


Various health problems and other factors can contribute to overactive bladder symptoms. They include:

- neurological conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease;


- diabetes;

- herniated disc;

- pelvic or back surgery;

- certain medications, including diuretics;

- weakness of pelvic muscle after pregnancy and childbirth;

- being overweight or obese – it creates pressure on the bladder;

- urinary tract infections;

- lack of estrogen (after menopause or for other reasons);

- consuming too much caffeine or alcohol.

Overactive bladder can be managed by making lifestyle changes and by medications. For severe cases, surgery is sometimes required.

Here’s what you can do to prevent the condition:

- if you have extra pounds, it would be beneficial for you to lose weight to decrease the pressure on the bladder;

- make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations to manage the conditions that cause overactive bladder if you have any;

- get enough physical activity;

- consume less caffeine and alcohol;

- don’t smoke.

If you already have the condition, try the following measures in addition to the ones described above:

- avoid foods and drinks that aggravate your condition, such as tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fizzy drinks, citrus fruits and juice, artificial sweeteners and products that contain them, tomatoes and tomato-based foods, spicy and acidic foods and drinks;

- drink enough fluids – ask your doctor how much you should drink and what beverages are best for you;

- do Kegel exercises;

- make a schedule of bathroom visits and try to stick to it as best as you can.