4 Warning Signs of an Overactive Bladder

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Middle aged woman looking concerned and holding forehead
  • Not being able to "hold it" and experiencing sudden urine leaks is all too common. But when does an occasional issue become a big enough reason to seek treatment? There are no rules when it comes to bladder problems. Typically, doctors recommend treatment when symptoms become too bothersome. How do you know when you've reached that point?

  • 1
    Your social life has diminished.
    Hispanic businesswoman talking on cell phone in office

    People who have an overactive bladder suffer not only physical effects, but social ones, as well. Fear of having an accident or anxiety about finding a bathroom can take its toll. Many people who have an overactive bladder begin avoiding social situations. And that's a big price to pay. Seeking treatment can allow you to regain your social life by helping to reduce symptoms. It can also teach you how to modify your lifestyle to better control the problem.

  • 2
    You're losing sleep.
    senior woman with head pain

    If you're getting up two or more times at night to urinate or have to "go" eight or more times in a 24-hour period, it may be a sign that you need help for bladder problems. Spending too much time in the bathroom can cost you precious sleep. It can also occupy time better spent on more enjoyable activities. Pay attention to how often you visit the facilities. Calculating this time can actually awaken you to the seriousness of the problem.

  • 3
    You make clothing choices based primarily on your bladder problem.
    woman-packing-suitcase

    Perhaps you wear only dark or loose-fitting clothing to conceal wetness. Or maybe you always stash extra clothes in your bag in case of an accident. Although these can be effective ways to cope with an overactive bladder, they may signal an ongoing problem. Bladder problems are common, but they aren't normal. If you feel like you're constantly worried about a leak, it may be time to find relief.  Not only can treatment reduce symptoms, it can lift the emotional weight of having to deal with the problem.

  • 4
    Traveling—whether flying across the country or driving across town—makes you break out in a sweat.
    man-flying-on-plane-with-earbuds

    Many people with bladder problems avoid car trips or other excursions because a bathroom isn't always readily available. If bladder issues are causing you to change your lifestyle or stick too close to home, it's time to seek relief. Urge incontinence, the strong, sudden need to urinate, can make for nervous travel. But there are many proven treatments to help reduce those urges. These include medications, exercises, behavior modification, biofeedback, and even surgery.

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  1. What I Need to Know About Bladder Control for Women, National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, August 2007 (http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/bcw_ez/)

  2. Bladder Control Problems, National Urogynecologic Association, May 2008 (http://www.mypelvichealth.org/WhatarePelvicFloorDisorders/BladderControlProblems/tabid/85/Default.as...

  3. What is Incontinence? National Association for Continence, updated May 4, 2010 (http://www.nafc.org/bladder-bowel-health/)

  4. What Every Woman Should Know, National Association for Continence, updated Dec. 7, 2010 (http://www.nafc.org/bladder-bowel-health/what-is-incontinence/what-every-woman-should-know/)

  5. Urge Incontinence, MedLine Plus, March 5, 2010 (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001270.htm)

  6. Incontinence: Coping Away From Home, WebMD.com, accessed May 2, 2011  (http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/coping-08/vacation-tips)
Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Last Review Date: 2022 Jan 14
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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.