What is overactive bladder?
Overactive bladder occurs when muscles in the bladder start to tighten on their own. When the muscles contract, it creates an urgent need to pee.
4 out of 10 U.S. women have overactive bladder.
Symptoms of overactive bladder
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Sudden need to pee
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Urgency incontinence (sudden need to pee that causes leakage)
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Peeing 8+ times in 24 hours
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Waking up more than 2x a night to pee
The average person pees 6–7 times in 24 hours.
Risk factors for overactive bladder
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Being born female
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Age 45+ (for people assigned female at birth)
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Menopause
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Having overweight or obesity
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Smoking
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Depression or anxiety
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Certain medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or IBS
Getting help for overactive bladder
Sometimes lifestyle changes can relieve symptoms.
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Quitting smoking
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Eating a healthy diet
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Drinking plenty of water
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Exercising regularly
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Limiting foods that irritate your bladder
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coffee, alcohol, acidic foods
Other treatments include:
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Biofeedback
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Bladder training
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Pelvic floor therapy
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Medications that relax the bladder
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Botox injections
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Nerve stimulation
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Surgery
It’s common for women with overactive bladder to experience psychological distress, anxiety and depression. Talk to a mental health professional about your symptoms.
This educational resource was created with support from Sumitomo Pharma, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.
