Diseases
overactive bladder
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Overactive bladder, also called OAB, causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control. You may feel like you need to pass urine many times during the day and night, and may also experience unintentional loss of urine (urgency incontinence).
Symptoms
- feel a sudden urge to urinate that's difficult to control
- unintentional loss of urine immediately after an urgent need to urinate.
- urinate frequently, usually eight or more times in 24 hours
- wake up more than two times in the night to urinate (nocturia)
Causes
- involuntary bladder contractions
- how a healthy bladder works
Risk factors
- enlarged prostate and diabetes
- alzheimer's disease
Diagnosis
- medical history
- physical exam, which may include a rectal exam and a pelvic exam in women
- urine sample to test for infection, traces of blood or other abnormalities
- focused neurological exam that may identify sensory issues or reflex problems
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is overactive bladder?
Overactive bladder, also called OAB, causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control. You may feel like you need to pass urine many times during the day and night, and may also experience unintentional loss of urine (urgency incontinence).
What are the symptoms of overactive bladder?
feel a sudden urge to urinate that's difficult to control, unintentional loss of urine immediately after an urgent need to urinate., urinate frequently, usually eight or more times in 24 hours, wake up more than two times in the night to urinate (nocturia)
What causes overactive bladder?
involuntary bladder contractions; how a healthy bladder works
Which medicines are used for overactive bladder?
darifenacin, fesoterodine, flavoxate, mirabegron, onabotulinumtoxinA, oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin, tolterodine, trospium
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