The bladder collects urine from the kidneys and expels it when full. However, an overactive bladder makes one unable to control urination, increasing the urge and frequency of peeing. So, one may have to rush to the loo often to avoid incontinence. Typically, this condition develops due to miscommunication between the bladder and the brain; the latter sends signals to the bladder instructing it to contract and empty itself when it is not completely filled.

Signs
Those dealing with an overactive bladder might experience the following signs:

– A sudden and pressing urge to urinate
– Right after the urge, one might experience leakage, known as urgency incontinence
– Frequent urination, typically exceeding eight times every 24 hours
– You may wake up more than twice at night to urinate. It is a condition called nocturia.

Although one may often have access to a bathroom, frequent and unexpected urges or nighttime urination can affect sleep and daily routine.

Causes
Some injuries or conditions affect the signals to the detrusor muscles and cause an overactive bladder. The detrusor muscle comprises a group of smooth muscle fibers within the bladder wall. Some conditions that can increase the risk of overactive bladder are:

Estrogen deficiency post menopause: The body undergoes many hormonal changes during and after menopause, with one of the effects being incontinence. One of the best treatments for minimizing such concerns is vaginal-only estrogen therapy.

Urinary tract infection: An infection irritates the bladder nerves, squeezing the bladder without warning.

Nerve damage: Nerve signals trigger the need to urinate, so damage to the nerves can cause overactivity in the bladder. Trauma or disease might be responsible for nerve damage. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, radiation therapy, back or pelvic surgery, a stroke, or herniated discs can be responsible.

Caffeine: It can dull the nerves responsible for sending signals to the brain and be one of the causes of an overactive bladder. Diuretics like caffeine fill up the bladder rapidly, increasing the frequency and urge to pee.

Abdominal trauma: Childbirth in pregnancy stretches and weakens the pelvic muscles, which support the organs in the lower abdomen. When the pelvic muscles weaken, the bladder may sag out of its normal position.

Treatment options
Several options can help one deal with an overactive bladder. Here are the common treatments one can choose:

Pelvic floor physical therapy: Specialized physical therapists who focus on the pelvic muscles employ specific techniques and exercises that strengthen these muscles, helping one manage urinary issues like nocturnal symptoms, frequency, and urgency.

Botox: Small doses of botox can temporarily weaken or paralyze the bladder muscles, preventing them from contracting too often, thereby relieving the symptoms. Typically, the effect of the treatment lasts for six to eight months, so one may require multiple sessions.

Nerve stimulation: This alters the electrical signals that send impulses to the bladder. The doctor administers electrical stimulation by inserting a slender wire into the lower back or the skin of the lower leg.

Surgery: When other treatments fail to work, the doctor may recommend surgery to enhance the bladder’s capacity.