Overactive Bladder

What is Overactive Bladder?

如果你突然有去厕所排尿的冲动，这很难被忽视，你可能患有膀胱过度活跃。

This is sometimes called an unstable or irritable bladder or detrusor overactivity. It means that your bladder wants to squeeze out urine, even if it’s not full.

Overactive Bladder Symptoms

The most common symptoms of overactive bladder are listed below:

• A sudden urge to go to the toilet to pass urine –Urgency
• Not getting to the toilet in time to pass urine –Urge Incontinence
• Needing to go to the toilet to pass urine very often (more than 7 times a day) –Frequency
• Getting up to go to the toilet to pass urine during the night –Nocturia
• Wetting the bed –Nocturnal Enuresis

Remember – an overactive bladder is not an inevitable part of ageing.

What Causes An Overactive Bladder?

It is often hard to say what causes an overactive bladder. Doctors recognise several underlying causes and it is important to make sure that there is no other treatable condition causing your symptoms before you assume that your problem is due to an overactive bladder.

我们知道有些东西会刺激膀胱，使症状恶化;such as:

• Some fluids we drink may cause problems. Caffeine and alcohol may irritate the bladder and cause urgency and frequency. Some fizzy drinks and fruit teas containing hibiscus can also irritate the bladder
• On the other hand, some people do not drink enough fluids, their urine becomes very concentrated and this can also irritate the bladder
• Another common cause of urgency is an infection. Your doctor or practice nurse can do a simple urine dipstick test to see if there is an infection present

Causes of an Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder symptoms can be caused by a number of other conditions, including:

• People who have diabetes can develop an overactive bladder
• Men with prostate problems, not necessary prostate cancer
• Women who have had operations for stress incontinence are also at risk
• Any condition that affects the nervous system can cause problems. Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s are all possible causes. Some of these conditions can also cause issues with getting around so that people affected may not be able to get to the toilet quickly enough

For many people suffering from an overactive bladder, the actual cause cannot be identified. It can be a relief to know that there is no other health problem causing your symptoms but it can also be frustrating and confusing not having a reason for the problem.

How to Help an Overactive Bladder

Approaching Your GP

The urgent need to use the toilet or not being able to hold on can be a real problem for millions of people of all ages. If you have an overactive bladder, you are certainly not alone.

It is never too late to get help with your bladder problems.

Patient Stories

Sometimes reading a patient story can help you more than reading an information sheet.

马克好心地同意和我们的社区分享他的膀胱过度活跃的故事。马克今年40岁，是一名项目经理，他与妻子和两个孩子住在英国中部。

You’ll find other real life examples in ourpatient storiessection.

Further Information

We have an information sheet on Overactive Bladder which includes more in depth information. Please visit ourdownloadssection to download this information sheet.

You can also find moreinformation about overactive bladder treatments. These include conservative, medicinal and surgical options available, however you should always speak to your GP or Healthcare Professional first.

You may also wish to request a Just Can’t Wait Card to help you to gain access to a toilet when you’re away from home, now available as a digital card for you smartphone.