What is an Overactive Bladder?

“Overactive Bladder” is a term used to describe a condition in which a person has lost some level of control over his bladder. Typical symptoms include:

· Frequent urination (more than 8 times in a 24 hour    period)
· Waking up more than 2 times per night to urinate
· Urgency- a sudden and strong desire to urinate
· Urge incontinence- accidental leakage of urine due    to an inability to get to a bathroom on    time

A person with an overactive bladder may have some or all of these symptoms. A voiding diary or bladder profile may help shed light on the exact pattern. It is estimated that between 17 and 53 million people are affected by an overactive bladder. In the United States, overactive bladder is one of the 10 most common chronic conditions, ahead of diabetes and peptic ulcers. A 1998 Gallup study done in six European countries examined the prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms. Overall, 17 percent of adults had one or more symptoms of overactive bladder and the incidence consistently increased with advancing age.

An Overactive Bladder Can Have a Big Impact

Many studies have shown that overactive bladder has a significant detrimental effect upon quality of life. Sufferers often experience:

· Embarrassment
· A sense of isolation
· Loss of self-esteem
· Avoidance of social activity and interaction.