Overactive Bladder

What is overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where you feel a sudden, intense urge to pass urine that is difficult to control. You may need to pass urine more often than usual, including several times during the night. Some people also experience urge incontinence, where urine leaks before you can get to the toilet.

What causes overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder happens when the detrusor muscles in your bladder wall contract too often or at the wrong time. Normally, these muscles relax while the bladder fills and only contract when you're ready to pass urine.

The exact cause isn't always known, but it can be linked to:

• Urinary tract infections
• Neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis
• Enlarged prostate in men
• Constipation
• Excess caffeine or alcohol
• Certain medications
• Being overweight

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms of overactive bladder include:

• A sudden, urgent need to pass urine
• Needing to pass urine more than 8 times in 24 hours
• Waking up two or more times at night to pass urine
• Leaking urine before reaching the toilet (urge incontinence)

How is it treated?

Overactive bladder can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and treatments including:

• Bladder training to gradually increase the time between toilet visits
• Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol
• Losing weight if needed
• Medications to relax the bladder muscle
• Botox injections into the bladder in more severe cases

When to see your GP

See your GP if you have symptoms of overactive bladder. It's a common condition and there are effective treatments available. Don't feel embarrassed - your GP sees this regularly.

Based on NHS information. Last reviewed January 2026.