An overactive bladder can lead to frequent and uncontrollable urges to urinate, and it may even cause leakage. It leaves the bladder unable to hold urine for long, which means one needs to take frequent trips to the bathroom. This is a chronic condition and can lead to discomfort and embarrassment in social situations. This article tries to answer the question of “What are the main causes of overactive bladder?.”

1. Post-menopause deficiency of estrogen
Menopausal women experience several hormonal changes, and a drop in estrogen levels is a major change that affects their physical and mental health. Estrogen affects the bladder and urethra, so low levels of the hormone can adversely affect the bladder. Hormone replacement therapy can help manage several health issues that arise due to low estrogen levels after menopause.

2. Being overweight or obese
Excess body weight is detrimental to everyone’s health. It is common knowledge that excess weight puts added pressure on the knees and joints, but not many know that it elevates the pressure on the bladder as well. This leads to frequent urges to urinate and can also lead to incontinence. Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to prevent the numerous conditions associated with obesity.

3. Infections
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can irritate the nerves in the bladder, causing the bladder to squeeze without any warning. This leads to the need to pee often and may also cause incontinence and increase the risk of leakage.

4. Lifestyle habits
Certain lifestyle habits can also be listed among the main causes of an overactive bladder. Excess alcohol and caffeine intake are harmful to everyone, and certain medications can also weaken the nerves that carry signals to the brain. This may lead to bladder overflow and leakage. Caffeine and diuretics, especially, can make the bladder fill up quickly and increase the risk of leakage. So, it’s advisable to stay away from them to help manage the symptoms better.

5. Nerve damage
Nerve damage associated with diseases, injuries, and trauma can disrupt communication in the body and cause signals to be sent to the brain at the incorrect time. Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, radiation exposure, herniated disc, and back or pelvic surgery can be considered some of the main causes of an overactive bladder.

6. Lax pelvic muscles
Childbirth and pregnancy can lead to the weakening of the pelvic muscles in women. These tissues and muscles support the organs in the lower abdomen. They stretch during childbirth, due to which the bladder may sag out and move away from its position. These factors can cause frequent urges to urinate and may also cause leakages.

Understanding the main causes of an overactive bladder and keeping an eye out for the common symptoms can facilitate an early diagnosis and timely medical help.