Overactive bladder is when a person frequently experiences an urgent need to urinate. It is commonly observed among the elderly. However, it can occur to anyone. Generally, men who have preexisting prostate issues and women experiencing menopause are at a higher risk. Here are a few main causes of overactive bladder.

1. Weak pelvic muscles
This is generally observed in women during or after pregnancy and post-childbirth. The pelvic muscles are stretched out and thus, become very weak. Because of this, the bladder begins to sag over time. The urethra opening also stretches out, leading to an overactive bladder.

2. Nerve system diseases
A few health conditions can disrupt the nerve signals. Due to this, the signals from the brain to the bladder may cause urination at the wrong time. Stroke, MS, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and so on are some of the health conditions that can cause overactive bladder. Trauma or injury due to back or pelvic surgery, herniated disc, or radiation may also lead to nerve damage causing overactive bladder.

3. Medications
Certain medications can affect the nerves. The nerves become dull, impacting the signals sent to the brain. Caffeine and diuretics can also have this effect on the nerves. The bladder begins to overflow quickly. In some cases, there can be urine leakage as well.

4. Infection of the urinary tract
Urinary tract infection affects the urethra and the bladder. This can irritate the nerves in the bladder. As a result, there can be muscle contractions way before the bladder becomes full, leading to frequent urination.

5. Abnormalities of the bladder
Stones or tumors in the bladder can also lead to muscle contractions and irritation of the bladder nerves. This can cause a person to frequent the bathroom more than usual due to an overactive bladder.

6. Obstructions of bladder outflow
Bladder outflow obstructions may result due to constipation, enlarged prostate, or some surgery. These can block the normal flow of urine from the bladder and change how the nerves send signals between the brain and the bladder.

7. Decline in cognition
This is more common among seniors. With age, there can be a decline in cognitive abilities. As a result, the bladder finds it more and more challenging to interpret the nerves signals from the brain correctly. This can cause frequent urination or bladder leakage.

8. Obesity
Being overweight can result in excess body weight, putting a strain on the bowel and the bladder system. So the nerves will incorrectly interpret that the bladder is full. This can result in overactive bladder and urine leakage.

9. Hormonal changes
This is one of the main causes of overactive bladder among women, especially once they hit menopause. The changes in hormones, particularly estrogen, can lead to changes in nerve signals. This can cause a frequent urge to empty the bladder.

10. Incomplete emptying of the bladder
Sometimes, the bladder doesn’t empty. Then, it starts to fill up too soon, leading to an urgent need to urinate.