Overactive Bladder Can Affect Your Daily Life

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

Sudden need to pee

Urgency incontinence (sudden need to pee that causes leakage) 

Peeing 8+ times in 24 hours 

Waking up more than 2x a night to pee 

The average person pees 6–7 times in 24 hours. 

Risk factors for overactive bladder

Being born female

Age 45+ (for people assigned female at birth) 

Menopause 

Having overweight or obesity 

Smoking

Depression or anxiety 

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. 

Quitting smoking

Maintaining a healthy weight

Eating a healthy diet

Drinking plenty of water

Exercising regularly 

Limiting foods that irritate your bladder

coffee, alcohol, acidic foods

Other treatments include:

Biofeedback 

Bladder training 

Pelvic floor therapy 

Medications that relax the bladder 

Botox injections 

Nerve stimulation 

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.