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.