About Overactive Bladder

Most people feel uncomfortable discussing bladder control problems with their friends, family and doctor. But if you suffer from any of the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), you’re not alone. More than 33 million Americans deal with OAB,¹ defined as urgency frequency and urge incontinence. That's why we used our expertise in neurostimulation to develop an innovative bladder control treatment.

Definition

Having an overactive bladder prevents you from controlling when and how much you urinate. You may experience unexpected small or large leaks, or use the bathroom very frequently.

Symptoms

There are different types of overactive bladder:

• Frequent urges to urinate (urgency-frequency)
• Inability to hold urine/leaking (urge incontinence)
• Leaking due to abdominal contractions (stress incontinence — neurostimulation does not treat stress incontinence)

Rate your symptoms to discuss with your doctor.

 Risk Factors

Overactive bladder (OAB) is not a natural part of aging. Pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, weak pelvic muscles, diabetes, bladder cancer or stones, and neurological disorders can contribute to OAB. Additionally, certain medications, high calcium levels, constipation, or inactivity can put you at risk.

Diagnosis

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms.

References

1. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2004;20(6):791-801

Section Navigation

• About Overactive Bladder

Additional information