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Overactive Bladder & Pain

An overactive bladder (OAB) is caused by involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles, prompting the urgent need to urinate. This condition can be caused by lifestyle and dietary habits or appear as a symptom of another medical condition.

  1. Painful Bladder Syndrome

    • Pain associated with an overactive bladder may be an indication of interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome. Although most people suffering from interstitial cystitis experience pain and overactive bladder, some may experience only pain or only OAB.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of an overactive bladder include the sudden need to urinate, involuntary urination or loss of urine, and urinating eight or more times per day.

    Causes

    • An overactive bladder may be caused by bladder cancer, infection, inflammation, bladder stones, enlarged prostate, neurological diseases or injuries, or high alcohol and caffeine consumption.

    Risk Factors

    • You may be at risk of developing an overactive bladder if you are an older adult, pregnant or recently gave birth, menopausal, obese, diabetic or have a urinary tract infection.

    Treatments

    • Behavioral OAB treatments include reducing fluid intake, increasing dietary fiber and performing Kegel exercises. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend medical treatments such as botulinum toxin injections to paralyze bladder muscles, anticholingeric medications to relax bladder muscles or surgery.

    Prevention

    • Adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol may help prevent or reduce your risk of OAB.

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