Overactive bladder

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Overactive bladder is a problem with bladder storage function that causes a sudden urge to urinate. The urge may be difficult to suppress, and overactive bladder can lead to the involuntary loss of urine (incontinence).

If you have overactive bladder, you may feel embarrassed, isolate yourself, or limit your work and social life. The good news is that after a brief evaluation to determine the cause of overactive bladder, you can receive treatments that may greatly reduce or eliminate the symptoms of overactive bladder and help you manage their effect on your daily life.

References
  1. Cartwright R, et al. Current management of overactive bladder. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;20:489.
  2. Carr RJ. Urinary incontinence. In: South-Paul JE, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3036304. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  3. Tanagho EA, et al. Urinary incontinence. In: Tanagho EA, et al. Smith's General Urology. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3129492. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  4. Overactive bladder. American Urological Association. http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=03&topic=450. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  5. What I need to know about Bladder Control for Women. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/bcw_ez/. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  6. Ellsworth PI, et al. Frequently asked questions in the evaluation and management of overactive bladder. Journal of Family Practice. 2009;58supp:1.
  7. Hartmann KE, et al. Treatment of overactive bladder in women. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/evidence/pdf/bladder/bladder.pdf. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  8. DuBeau CE. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  9. Urodynamic testing. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/urodynamic/. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  10. DuBeau CE. Treatment of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 2, 2010.
  11. Anger JT, et al. Outcomes of intravesical botulinum toxin for idiopathic overactive bladder symptoms: A systematic review of the literature. The Journal of Urology. 2010;183:2258.
  12. Lightner DJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 4, 2010.
  13. Subak LL, et al. Weight loss to treat urinary incontinence in overweight and obese women. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:481.
DS00827 Sept. 28, 2010

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