Reasons for an Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder manifests as uncontrollable urges to urinate. An overactive bladder may lead to loss of control of urination, or incontinence; the persistent feeling of the need to urinate, in excess of eight times a day or the need to awaken twice or more during the night to urinate, a condition known as nocturia. An overactive bladder can have a number of systemic causes, from mild to serious--it can be a side effect from certain medications and it can be a warning sign of cancer. It is important to seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and receive proper treatment for the underlying issue.

Neurological Disorders

• In some instances, neurological disorders can disrupt your body's communication to control your bladder's function. Your brain tells your bladder it is full, and the bladder responds by emptying its contents when it reaches approximately three-fourths of its capacity. Such neurological disorders as Parkinson's disease disrupt the brain's neural pathways, and the brain's signal to the bladder does not function properly, which can cause an overactive bladder.

Diabetes

• In some cases, diabetes can be attributed to symptoms of an overactive bladder. As diabetes progresses, it can lead to damaged nerves. If diabetes is left untreated, the nerves that control the signals to the bladder can become disrupted by the disease, which may then lead to bladder-related complications. The diabetic's body, especially if untreated, also tries to rid itself of excess glucose, which may also cause an influx in excess urine and prompt the need to urinate more frequently.

Infections

• Infections such as a urinary tract infection can simulate symptoms of an overactive bladder. When bacteria begins to build up within the urinary tract, complications can occur as a result such as feeling the need to urinate constantly or painful urination. If the urine is cloudy, a fever is present, or blood is in the urine, you should seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.

Medications

• Some uses of certain medications can cause the bladder to increase urine production. Whereas some medications promote bladder activity, others may require or encourage a higher intake of fluids, which can also lead to increased urination. Medications that can disrupt bladder function include antidepressants, sedatives, diuretics and narcotics.

Prostate Issues

• For men, an overactive bladder may be the result of one of three prostrate-related issues: postatitis (inflammation of the prostate), benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland), or prostate cancer treatments (some treatments can lead to the leakage of urine). In some cases, the need to urinate may become frequent, difficult, or painful, and blood may be found in the urine. These symptoms can be signs of prostate cancer, and proper medical diagnosis and treatment should be sought immediately.

Complications

• If left untreated, the frequency in urination can lead to mixed incontinence in which urge incontinence is combined with stress incontinence. Stress incontinence refers to the loss of control over urination when you exert yourself, whether through exercise or when you cough or laugh. Urge incontinence refers to the feeling or the need to urinate that is accompanied with the inability to control urination.