Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is the name for a group of urinary symptoms.

Symptoms

• Urgency: a sudden, uncontrolled need or urge to urinate
• Urinating frequently: the need to pass urine many times during the day and night (Going to the bathroom more than eight times in 24 hours is considered “frequent urination.”)
• Waking up at night to pass urine: waking from sleep to go to the bathroom more than once a night

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may do an exam or refer you to a specialist, such as a urologist, to perform several tests, including the following:

• Urine test — Your physician may request a sample of your urine to test for infection or blood.
• Bladder scan — An ultrasound shows how much urine is still in the bladder after you go to the bathroom.
• Cystoscopy — Using a fiberoptic camera, your physician can view the inside of the bladder and urethra to find causes of bleeding or blockage or any abnormalities of the bladder and its lining.

Treatment

Discuss with your healthcare provider about OAB treatments, including lifestyle changes or medical/surgical procedures.