What Is Overactive Bladder?
More than 33 million people in the United States have overactive bladder. It affects both men and women of all ages, often starting in their 30s or 40s. Overactive bladder, also known as OAB, is when someone has a sudden, uncomfortable need to urinate*.
It can happen with or without urine leakage. People with OAB usually feel the need to urinate often during the day and at night. About the bladder: The bladder is a hollow, balloon-like organ made of mostly muscle. The bladder stores urine before it leaves the body through the urethra. OAB occurs when the detrusor muscle of the bladder squeezes or contracts more often than normal. It can happen at inappropriate times.
