Overactive bladder

Overview

Caffeine and alcohol make it worse.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sudden urges to pee
• Peeing often
• Sudden strong urges to pee, sometimes leaking
• Frequent urge to urinate

Less common

• Leaking
• Waking at night to pee

When to get medical care

Causes

Bladder muscle overactivity.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age
• Women

Possible complications

• UTI

Diagnosis

A clinician checks urine.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Urine test:
• Bladder diary:

Treatment

Retrain the bladder.

Self-care

• Schedule bathroom trips
• Do Kegel exercises
• Cut caffeine
• Limit drinks before bed

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a urologist (urinary tract doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Overactive bladder