What should you know about overactive urinary bladder?

The bladder contracts before it is comfortably full, creating a sudden urge that can be difficult to defer. Some people pass urine often without leakage; others leak before reaching a toilet. Night-time waking, bladder irritation, constipation, urinary infection and some medicines can produce similar symptoms, so assessment helps identify the pattern.

Keep a brief bladder diary showing drinks, toilet visits, urgency and leakage. Try regular toilet timing instead of waiting for an emergency, and reduce drinks that clearly trigger urgency, such as caffeine. Avoid straining with constipation, and ask a clinician about pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. A urine test may be used when infection is possible; urodynamic testing is considered when symptoms remain unclear or treatment has not helped.

Arrange medical advice for new or persistent urgency, leakage, burning, pelvic pain or repeated night-time urination. Seek prompt care for blood in the urine, fever, back or side pain, vomiting, inability to pass urine, or sudden loss of bladder control with weakness or numbness.

Ask what could be causing your pattern, whether a urine test is appropriate, how long to try bladder training, and whether pelvic floor rehabilitation or urodynamic testing fits your symptoms.