An overactive bladder is a way to describe a series of problems that are connected to how urgently you need to urinate. An overactive bladder doesn’t necessarily mean that the person suffers from incontinence and leakage, but it does mean that there is the urge to urinate on a more regular basis than they previously felt. The condition is often referred to as an irritable bladder. You’ll discover a wide range of symptoms associated with an overactive bladder. We’ll look at these, as well as talk about the need to pre-empt any potential problems associated with incontinence and the leakage of urine alongside an overactive bladder.
The symptoms of an overactive bladder
When you suffer from an overactive bladder, it will try to expel urine even when it is not full enough for it to usually become active. One of the biggest symptoms is if you are urinating frequently during the day. It is perfectly normal to go to the toilet between four and eight times each day, and then once during the night. If you are going to the toilet to urinate more than this, it could be an indicator that you have an overactive bladder or that you are suffering with potential incontinence.
Some other symptoms to look out for include wetting the bed (where you might need to have an incontinence bed sheet), frequent visits to the toilet at night or not quite making it to the toilet in time. Incontinence is not a symptom of an overactive bladder, but there is an overlap between those who suffer both conditions in some cases.
Reasons for an overactive bladder
There could be any number of reasons why you are suffering with an overactive bladder. Until you have figured out what has caused it, it is difficult to calm an irritated bladder. One of the obvious reasons to consider is your intake of fluid. If you drink too much fluid, especially drinks with a lot of caffeine or energy drinks, this could cause an overactive bladder.
There are also some serious conditions that might cause an overactive bladder. These include:
- A urinary tract infection
- An obstruction to the urethra
- Bladder stones
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Gynaecological problems
- Men with problems relating to an enlarged prostate
- Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other conditions affecting the nervous system
Having an overactive bladder doesn’t mean that you’ll suffer from incontinence, but it does mean that you should have a greater awareness of your body, your bladder, and the chance that incontinence could be an associated condition that you do suffer from further down the line. If you do end up suffering from incontinence and feel the need to seek help to manage the leakage of urine, whether this is during the night as you sleep or during the day as you go about every day, normal tasks, please look for professional, expert suppliers of incontinence products. This way, you’ll have access to the very best in urinary products that are designed to help every type and severity of incontinence.
