Overactive bladder risk factors

There are several risk factors for overactive bladder (OAB), such as certain lifestyle issues, medications, and medical conditions. Factors that increase your risk for OAB or make overactive bladder symptoms worse include the following:

Lifestyle and medications:

• dietary habits, especially certain types of fluid intake (e.g., caffeine or alcohol)
• too much fluid intake - your doctor may ask you to limit fluid intake to 1 to 1.5 litres per day; you should always discuss any change of fluid intake with your doctor first
• certain medications, such as diuretics

Medical conditions:

• constipation
• dementia
• diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• recent surgery (certain types, such as orthopedic surgery or surgery for the bladder or reproductive organs)
• spinal cord injury
• stroke
• Alzheimer's disease
• enlarged prostate
• urinary tract infections
• bladder tumors or inflammation
• sleep disorders
• congestive heart failure

Also, as we grow older, our risk of developing overactive bladder increases. But that doesn't mean we have to accept overactive bladder symptoms as "a normal part of growing older." Treatment is available. Talk to your doctor if you think you might have overactive bladder. If you're not sure whether your symptoms are due to overactive bladder, take our Overactive Bladder Assessment Questionnaire and talk to your doctor.