Overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence (UI) are both related to bladder issues, but they are not the same. Overactive bladder is about having a sudden urge to pee, while urinary incontinence is when urine leaks from your bladder. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, meaning you cannot fully control when urine leaves your bladder.

It can happen occasionally or more often.

The leakage may occur during daily activities like coughing, laughing, or exercising.Even though these conditions are different, some symptoms can overlap. Let’s break them down and look at treatments that can help.

What is an overactive bladder?

Overactive bladder, or OAB, is when you get a strong, sudden urge to urinate. Normally, your bladder sends signals to your brain when it’s full, and your pelvic muscles help control when you go. But with OAB, these signals and muscles don’t work together properly. The bladder muscle can contract on its own, causing a sudden urge to urinate.

OAB affects both men and women. Around 30% of men and 40% of women in the United States have symptoms of OAB.

Causes of OAB

OAB can happen for many reasons, including:

• Aging
  
  
• Changes in hormones, especially after menopause
  
  
• Weak pelvic muscles from pregnancy or childbirth
  
  
• Weight gain
  
  
• Poor diet
  
  
• Pelvic or abdominal injury
  
  
• Nerve problems or neurological conditions
  
  

Symptoms of OAB

You might have OAB if you notice:

• A sudden need to urinate frequently
  
  
• Trouble holding urine
  
  
• Waking up two or more times at night to pee
  
  
• Urinating eight or more times a day
  
  

Treatments for OAB

There are many ways to manage OAB:

• Medications: Some medicines relax the bladder or block signals that make it contract.
  
  
• Botox: Injected into the bladder to help control sudden urges.
  
  
• Lifestyle changes: Adjusting how much and when you drink, and losing weight if needed.
  
  

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is when urine leaks from your bladder, sometimes without warning. It can happen a little or a lot and can make everyday life uncomfortable.

Types of UI

There are five main types:

1. Stress incontinence: Leaks happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise.
   
   
2. Urge incontinence: Sudden urges to urinate that can’t be held.
   
   
3. Overflow incontinence: Bladder doesn’t fully empty, causing constant dribbling.
   
   
4. Functional incontinence: Physical or mental conditions make it hard to reach the toilet.
   
   
5. Mixed incontinence: A combination of the above types.
   
   

Causes of UI

UI can be caused by:

• Certain foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated drinks
  
  
• Medications that increase urine production
  
  
• Medical conditions like urinary tract infections or constipation
  
  
• Physical changes like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or an enlarged prostate
  
  
• Nerve problems from conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or stroke
  
  

Symptoms of UI

The main symptom is urine leakage. This can happen:

• During exercise or movement
  
  
• When coughing, sneezing, or laughing
  
  
• Sometimes unexpectedly without warning
  
  

Treatments for UI

Treatments depend on whether you are male or female.

For Men:

• Sling procedures to support the bladder
  
  
• Bulking agents to help the urethra stay closed
  
  
• Artificial urinary sphincter
  
  
• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
  
  
• Medications to relax the bladder
  
  

For Women:

• Injectable treatments like Macroplastique
  
  
• Sling procedures
  
  
• Pelvic floor exercises
  
  
• Medications to calm bladder muscles
  
  
• Botox injections
  
  
• Nerve stimulation therapies like Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation or InterStim
  
  

Overactive Bladder vs. Urinary Incontinence

OAB and UI are related, but different. OAB is a type of UI where the main problem is a strong urge to urinate, not always leaking. UI usually involves actual urine leakage. Both conditions are common, treatable, and can be managed with help from a urologist.

Getting Help

OAB and UI don’t have to control your life. With the right treatment, you can regain confidence and freedom. A urologist can help you find the best solutions for your bladder health.

Take the first step today and book an appointment—your bladder will thank you!