Clinical Definition

Overactive bladder, or OAB, is a constellation of symptoms including urinary urgency, urinary frequency and nocturnal urination at least twice. The condition is more common with age. Treatments include lifestyle modification, behavioral therapy and antimuscarinic drug therapy.

In Our Own Words

Overactive bladder, also known as OAB, is the frequent urge to urinate, including the need to urinate eight times or more a day and the need to get up twice or more a night to do so. It is more common with age and can occur with or without urinary incontinence.

To diagnose, the doctor will take a careful history and physical exam. Other tests may include blood samples and urinalysis and urodynamic studies to evaluate bladder pressure.  Lifestyle modification, such keeping a healthy weight, limiting tea, coffee and alcohol and not smoking may help. Bladder retraining and medicines for OAB may also help.