What is the first treatment tried for overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder can cause a sudden urge to pass urine, frequent bathroom visits or leakage before reaching the toilet. Bladder training uses a planned schedule and gradually lengthens the interval between visits, while pelvic floor control and calm breathing can help manage an urge. A clinician may also review drinks, constipation, medicines and symptoms of infection before settling on a plan.

Keep a short bladder diary showing drinks, toilet visits, urgency and leakage. Follow the agreed schedule rather than visiting the toilet whenever a mild urge appears, and use the urge-control method taught by your clinician. Reduce likely triggers such as caffeinated drinks if they worsen symptoms, without restricting fluids excessively. Learn more about [Bladder Training](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/bladder-training/). If symptoms do not improve or the diagnosis is uncertain, [Urodynamic Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/urodynamic-testing/) may help assess how the bladder stores and empties urine.

Contact a clinician promptly for blood in the urine, burning with fever, new inability to pass urine, severe lower abdominal pain or rapidly worsening leakage. Seek emergency help if severe pain, confusion or marked weakness accompanies urinary symptoms.

How should I structure my bladder-training schedule? Which drinks or medicines may be affecting urgency? Do I need a urine test or further bladder assessment?