Overview

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is when you have a frequent, sudden urge to urinate, even when your bladder is not full. It's caused by your bladder contracting (squeezing) without you meaning to. This causes an intense urge to urinate, called urgency.

Urge incontinence happens when your urine leaks when you have urgency. It's a separate condition from OAB, though it's common to have both.

The good news is OAB is common and treatable. There are several options that can help you.

While it might feel embarrassing or awkward to talk to a clinician about your symptoms, they talk to many patients about the same topics. They can answer questions and talk to you about treatment.