An overactive bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. Overactive bladder causes a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate (urinary urgency). Overactive bladder is also referred to as urge incontinence and is a form of urinary incontinence (unintentional loss of urine).

Overactive bladder, sometimes called an irritable bladder, affects about one in six men and women in the United States. Most men with overactive bladder are 65 and older. But women tend to be affected earlier ? the prevalence rate begins to climb among women when they reach their mid-40s.

If you have overactive bladder, you may feel embarrassed, isolate yourself or limit your work and social life. A combination of treatments may greatly alleviate symptoms of overactive bladder and help you manage their impact on your daily life.

Who gets overactive bladder?

The brief answer ? lots of people! One estimate is that at least 2.9 million Canadians have an overactive bladder or suffer from incontinence. An overactive bladder is more common in women, and in older adults, but can be found in younger folks and in men. Unfortunately, many people who have symptoms of an overactive bladder suffer silently and needlessly because they do not seek medical help.

How common is overactive bladder syndrome?

In two large studies it was found that about 1 in 6 adults reported some symptoms of an overactive bladder. Symptoms vary in their severity. About 1 in 3 people with an overactive bladder have episodes of urge incontinence.
Do you frequently experience the following?

- Get up to urinate two or more times in a single night
- Urinating more than eight times in a 24 hour period
- Feel an overwhelming and uncontrollable urge to urinate
- Urinary incontinence, control problems, leaking

If you have too, plan your trips and excursions around the bathrooms. Knowing where they are and how many are there and experiencing anxiety about having to use them, then you may be suffering from OAB. Also if you are using adult incontinence devices, such as adult diapers or mattress protection liners, these are also sign that you are suffering from OAB.

The symptoms of OAB do not appear suddenly and all at once. This affliction comes on gradually so you may find yourself adjusting your lifestyle little by little. The anxiety of OAB my be limiting your lifestyle and you might be unwittingly accepting the limitations imposed on your day to day ability to do the things you would like to be doing.

Medications help relax the bladder and provide relief from symptoms. They can be used alone or in combination with behavioral treatments. Since they are prescription drugs, they must be used under the supervision of a health care provider. Medications do not cure incontinence but can help reduce or eliminate problems of bladder control.

Herbal Support

Soothing urinary tract tonics may help heal the bladder and related nervous irritation. Also drink 2 - 3 quarts of water daily.

Herbs to use as tea:

* Cleavers (Galium aparine) - traditional urinary tonic
* Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) - soothing demulcent properties, best in "cold infusion" (Soak herb in cold water several hours; strain and drink.)
* Buchu - soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system
* Corn silk (Zea mays) - soothing, diuretic