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Frequent nighttime urination
Frequent urination
Urine urgency
I feel urine remained after urination
It is difficult to pee
I am peeing again within in 2 hours
Peeing at night
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Overactive Bladder?
This group of urinary symptoms causes patients to need to urinate frequently. They may also experience a sudden urge to urinate that is hard to control due to excessive bladder contractions.
Typical Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
- Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the past
- Diagnosed with a spinal cord injury in the past
- Having difficulty urinating or producing less urine
- I am taking or have taken oral diabetes medication
- Needing to pass urine again, despite just passing less than 2 hours ago
- Unable to sleep deeply
- Urethral itching or discomfort
- Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the past
Diagnostic Questions for Overactive Bladder
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson's?
- Have you ever had a spinal cord injury?
- Have you been experiencing difficulty urinating or producing less urine?
- Have you taken oral medication for diabetes?
- Have you felt urge to pass urine again, within 2 hours after using the bathroom?
Treatment of Overactive Bladder
Behavior therapy, altering fluid intake, and maintaining regular bowel movements can help with symptoms. Medications may be changed if thought to be causing overactive bladder. New medications may also be prescribed to help control bladder contractions.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Nao Saito, MD (Urology)
After graduating from Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Dr. Saito worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Toda Chuo General Hospital, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center, and Ako Chuo Hospital before becoming Deputy Director (current position) at Takasaki Tower Clinic Department of Ophthalmology and Urology in April 2020.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Decreased urine output
- Not peeing enough
- Drinking lots of water but not urinating much
- No urine output in 12 hours
- Urinating less than normal
- Very difficult to urinate
- Reduction in urine volume
- Unable to empty bladder completely
See full list
Symptoms Related to Overactive Bladder
Diseases Related to Overactive Bladder
FAQs
Q.
What Is the Main Cause of Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
The main cause of overactive bladder is the bladder muscle, called the detrusor, contracting too much when the bladder fills up, which creates an urge to urinate suddenly.
References:
White N, Iglesia CB. Overactive Bladder. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2016 Mar;43(1):59-68. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2015.10.002. PMID: 26880508.
Carpenter L, Campain NJ. Overactive bladder: not just a normal part of getting older. Br J Nurs. 2022 Oct 13;31(18):S16-S22. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.18.S16. PMID: 36227795.
Zheng Y, Cameron AP. Sleep and Overactive Bladder in Parkinson's Disease. Urol Clin North Am. 2024 May;51(2):197-207. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2024.02.005. Epub 2024 Mar 10. PMID: 38609192.
Q.
What Is the Best Over the Counter Medicine for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
There isn’t one best over-the-counter medicine for overactive bladder, but research suggests that pumpkin seed oil may help improve urinary symptoms.
References:
Nishimura M, Ohkawara T, Sato H, Takeda H, Nishihira J. Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder. J Tradit Complement Med. 2014 Jan;4(1):72-4. doi: 10.4103/2225-4110.124355. PMID: 24872936; PMCID: PMC4032845.
Vozmediano-Chicharro R, Madurga B, Blasco P. Efficacy of Transdermal Oxybutynin in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Does It Make Sense Using It in 2017? Adv Urol. 2018 Jul 29;2018:6782736. doi: 10.1155/2018/6782736. PMID: 30151004; PMCID: PMC6087608.
Williams G, Hahn D, Stephens JH, Craig JC, Hodson EM. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Apr 17;4(4):CD001321. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Nov 10;11:CD001321. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub7. PMID: 37068952; PMCID: PMC10108827.
Q.
How Does Botox Work for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
Botox works for overactive bladder by relaxing the bladder muscle, so it contracts less often and reduces the urgent need to go to the bathroom.
References:
Hsieh PF, Chiu HC, Chen KC, Chang CH, Chou EC. Botulinum toxin A for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder. Toxins (Basel). 2016 Feb 29;8(3):59. doi: 10.3390/toxins8030059. PMID: 26938559; PMCID: PMC4810204.
Nitti V, Haag-Molkenteller C, Kennelly M, Chancellor M, Jenkins B, Schurch B. Treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): Development, insights, and impact. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Jul 1;102(S1):e32377. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032377. PMID: 37499088; PMCID: PMC10374192.
Licow-Kamińska AA, Ciećwież SM, Ptak M, Kotlęga D, Brodowska A. Quality of Life in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder after Botulinum Toxin Treatment. Toxins (Basel). 2023 Dec 21;16(1):7. doi: 10.3390/toxins16010007. PMID: 38276531; PMCID: PMC10819285.
Q.
What Are Overactive Bladder (OAB) Medications With The Least Side Effects?
A.
Many doctors find that mirabegron, a beta-3 agonist, is a good option for overactive bladder because it tends to have fewer side effects than older medications.
References:
Corcos J, Przydacz M, Campeau L, Gray G, Hickling D, Honeine C, Radomski SB, Stothers L, Wagg A, Lond F. CUA guideline on adult overactive bladder. Can Urol Assoc J. 2017 May;11(5):E142-E173. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.4586. Epub 2017 May 9. Erratum in: Can Urol Assoc J. 2017 May;11(5):E250. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.4722. Erratum in: Can Urol Assoc J. 2017 Jul;11(7):E323. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.4775. PMID: 28503229; PMCID: PMC5426936.
Milsom I, Wagg A, Oelke M, Chapple C. Which drugs are best for overactive bladder? From patients' expectations to physicians' decisions. Int J Clin Pract. 2021 Apr;75(4):e13870. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.13870. Epub 2020 Dec 11. PMID: 33251651; PMCID: PMC8047881.
Sze C, Drangsholt S, Stoddard MD, Singh Z, Sansone S, Bhojani N, Zorn K, Elterman D, Chughtai B. Adverse Events for Overactive Bladder Medications From a Public Federal Database. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2022 Jul 1;28(7):429-435. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001190. Epub 2022 May 17. PMID: 35536677.
Q.
What Is the Difference Between Overactive Bladder (OAB) in Men and Women?
A.
Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms can be similar to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but OAB is a separate condition that affects both men and women differently.
References:
Eapen RS, Radomski SB. Gender differences in overactive bladder. Can J Urol. 2016 Feb;23(Suppl 1):2-9. PMID: 26924589.
Herrewegh, A. G. M., Vrijens, D. M. J., Marcelissen, T. A. T., & van Koeveringe, G. A. (2019). Bladder sensations in male and female overactive bladder patients compared to healthy volunteers: a sensation-related bladder diary evaluation. _Scandinavian Journal of Urology_, _53_(4), 255–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/21681805.2019.1641551
Pautz A, Michel MC. Sex and Gender Differences in the Pharmacology of the Overactive Urinary Bladder. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2023;282:57-74. doi: 10.1007/164_2023_667. PMID: 37439844.
Q.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
Yes, several home remedies, including pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, and certain dietary changes, can help manage overactive bladder symptoms.
References:
Leron E, Weintraub AY, Mastrolia SA, Schwarzman P. Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Evaluation and Management. Curr Urol. 2018 Mar;11(3):117-125. doi: 10.1159/000447205. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29692690; PMCID: PMC5903463.
Bo K, Fernandes ACNL, Duarte TB, Brito LGO, Ferreira CHJ. Is pelvic floor muscle training effective for symptoms of overactive bladder in women? A systematic review. Physiotherapy. 2020 Mar;106:65-76. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2019.08.011. Epub 2019 Aug 24. PMID: 32026847.
Chen H, Hoi MPM, Lee SMY. Medicinal plants and natural products for treating overactive bladder. Chin Med. 2024 Mar 27;19(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s13020-024-00884-3. PMID: 38532487; PMCID: PMC10967063.
Q.
What Kind of Diet Is Recommended for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
A diet for overactive bladder should include reducing salt, caffeine, and bladder irritants, along with a focus on balanced, healthy eating.
References:
Robinson D, Giarenis I, Cardozo L. You are what you eat: the impact of diet on overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms. Maturitas. 2014 Sep;79(1):8-13. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.06.009. Epub 2014 Jun 17. PMID: 25033724.
Willis-Gray MG, Dieter AA, Geller EJ. Evaluation and management of overactive bladder: strategies for optimizing care. Res Rep Urol. 2016 Jul 27;8:113-22. doi: 10.2147/RRU.S93636. PMID: 27556018; PMCID: PMC4968994.
Matsuo T, Miyata Y, Otsubo A, Mukae Y, Mitsunari K, Ohba K, Sakai H. Efficacy of salt reduction for managing overactive bladder symptoms: a prospective study in patients with excessive daily salt intake. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 18;11(1):4046. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83725-9. PMID: 33603133; PMCID: PMC7893030.
Q.
Are There Any Foods to Avoid for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
For overactive bladder, it's helpful to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as high-salt foods, caffeinated beverages, and acidic or spicy items.
References:
Leron E, Weintraub AY, Mastrolia SA, Schwarzman P. Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Evaluation and Management. Curr Urol. 2018 Mar;11(3):117-125. doi: 10.1159/000447205. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29692690; PMCID: PMC5903463.
Matsuo T, Miyata Y, Otsubo A, Mukae Y, Mitsunari K, Ohba K, Sakai H. Efficacy of salt reduction for managing overactive bladder symptoms: a prospective study in patients with excessive daily salt intake. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 18;11(1):4046. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83725-9. PMID: 33603133; PMCID: PMC7893030.
Park J, Lee H, Kim Y, Norton C, Woodward S, Lee S. Effectiveness of Fluid and Caffeine Modifications on Symptoms in Adults With Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review. Int Neurourol J. 2023 Mar;27(1):23-35. doi: 10.5213/inj.2346014.007. Epub 2023 Mar 31. PMID: 37015722; PMCID: PMC10073005.
Q.
How Long Does Overactive Bladder (OAB) Last?
A.
Overactive bladder is usually a long-term condition, and while treatments can help manage the symptoms, many people need ongoing care rather than a complete cure.
References:
Przydacz M, Campeau L, Walter JE, Corcos J. How long do we have to treat overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)? A questionnaire survey of Canadian urologists and gynecologists. Can Urol Assoc J. 2018 Sep;12(9):E378-E383. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.5032. PMID: 29787370; PMCID: PMC6143506.
Leron E, Weintraub AY, Mastrolia SA, Schwarzman P. Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Evaluation and Management. Curr Urol. 2018 Mar;11(3):117-125. doi: 10.1159/000447205. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29692690; PMCID: PMC5903463.
Q.
Is There Any Surgery for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
Surgery for overactive bladder is not usually the first choice, but there are options available for patients whose symptoms do not improve with other treatments.
References:
Vasdev N, Biles BD, Sandher R, Hasan TS. The surgical management of the refractory overactive bladder. Indian J Urol. 2010 Apr;26(2):263-9. doi: 10.4103/0970-1591.65402. PMID: 20877607; PMCID: PMC2938553.
Trowbridge ER, Hoover EF. Evaluation and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2022 Mar;51(1):157-175. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.10.010. Epub 2022 Jan 7. PMID: 35135660.
Q.
How Can I Use a Tens Machine for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
A TENS machine is used by placing small pads on your skin near the lower back or pelvic area to help ease overactive bladder symptoms by relaxing the nerves that control the bladder.
References:
Sharma N, Rekha K, Srinivasan KJ. Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Oct;10(10):QC17-QC20. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/21683.8729. Epub 2016 Oct 1. PMID: 27891403; PMCID: PMC5121741.
Bapir R, Bhatti KH, Eliwa A, García-Perdomo HA, Gherabi N, Hennessey D, Magri V, Mourmouris P, Ouattara A, Perletti G, Philipraj J, Stamatiou K, Trinchieri A, Buchholz N. Efficacy of overactive neurogenic bladder treatment: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2022 Dec 28;94(4):492-506. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2022.4.492. PMID: 36576454.
Q.
What Is Double
A.
Double voiding is a technique where you urinate, wait a little, and then try to go again to help empty your bladder completely.
References:
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/bladder-care-and-management/
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/bladder-care-and-management/
Q.
Does Acupuncture Work For Curing Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
A.
Acupuncture may help reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder but it is not considered a cure.
References:
Zhao Y, Zhou J, Mo Q, Wang Y, Yu J, Liu Z. Acupuncture for adults with overactive bladder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Feb;97(8):e9838. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000009838. PMID: 29465566; PMCID: PMC5841968.
Hargreaves E, Baker K, Barry G, Harding C, Zhang Y, Kandala NB, Zhang X, Kernohan A, Clarkson CE. Acupuncture for treating overactive bladder in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Sep 23;9(9):CD013519. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013519.pub2. PMID: 36148895; PMCID: PMC9502659.
Wang H, Lei X. Acupuncture for Women with Overactive Bladder: Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Related Mechanism. Int J Gen Med. 2023 Mar 28;16:1137-1148. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S406194. PMID: 37013136; PMCID: PMC10066631.
Q.
What Vitamin Stops
A.
Research suggests that vitamin D may help manage overactive bladder symptoms, but it is not a cure that completely resolves the condition.
References:
Zhang Q, Zhang Z, He X, Liu Z, Shen L, Long C, Wei G, Liu X, Guo C. Vitamin D levels and the risk of overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2024 Jan 10;82(2):166-175. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad049. PMID: 37195440.
Chen H, Zhang Z, Wu S, Zhang D, Zhong X, Liu X, Wei G. Efficacy and Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation vs Solifenacin or Standard Urotherapy for Overactive Bladder Dry in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Urol. 2024 Jan;211(1):26-36. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000003763. Epub 2023 Oct 23. PMID: 37871329.
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White N, Iglesia CB. Overactive Bladder. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2016 Mar;43(1):59-68. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2015.10.002. PMID: 26880508.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889854515001072?via%3DihubRobinson D, Cardozo L. Managing overactive bladder. Climacteric. 2019 Jun;22(3):250-256. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1552254. PMID: 31034265.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2018.1552254?cookieSet=1Chen LC, Kuo HC. Pathophysiology of refractory overactive bladder. Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2019 Sep;11(4):177-181. doi: 10.1111/luts.12262. Epub 2019 Mar 22. PMID: 30900373.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/luts.12262Peyronnet B, Mironska E, Chapple C, Cardozo L, Oelke M, Dmochowski R, Amarenco G, Gamé X, Kirby R, Van Der Aa F, Cornu JN. A Comprehensive Review of Overactive Bladder Pathophysiology: On the Way to Tailored Treatment. Eur Urol. 2019 Jun;75(6):988-1000. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2019.02.038. Epub 2019 Mar 26. PMID: 30922690.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0302283819301861?via%3DihubRaju R, Linder BJ. Evaluation and Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Women. Mayo Clin Proc. 2020 Feb;95(2):370-377. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.11.024. PMID: 32029089.
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(19)31039-0/fulltext