Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Overactive bladder

An overactive bladder causes sudden strong urgency, frequent urination and sometimes urine leakage, without an infection or another clear cause fully explaining this. Bladder training and pelvic floor support are often the first treatment.

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An overactive bladder causes sudden strong urgency, frequent urination and sometimes urine leakage, without an infection or another clear cause fully explaining this. Bladder training and pelvic floor support are often the first treatment.

  • A sudden strong urge to urinate that is hard to postpone.
  • Passing small amounts of urine more often than usual during the day.
  • Keep a bladder diary for at least three days before making major changes.
  • Spread drinks throughout the day and limit large amounts shortly before sleep or a long journey.
  • Make an appointment if strong urgency, frequent urination or urine leakage lasts a few weeks or limits daily life.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
B
Bladder infectionA bladder infection, or cystitis, is usually a bacterial infection of the bladder. It may cause burning when passing urine, frequent urges and lower abdominal pain; without treatment, an infection may spread up to the kidneys.
U
Urinary problems in womenWomen may have frequent urgency, urine leakage, burning or difficulty emptying the bladder. Infection is one possibility, but the pelvic floor, prolapse, medicines, nerves and other bladder problems can also play a part.
U
Urinary incontinence in womenInvoluntary urine leakage in women is common and usually treatable. Leakage with coughing or sport is called stress incontinence; sudden strong urgency suggests urge incontinence. Blood, fever, pain or inability to urinate needs assessment.