• Sudden, strong urge to urinate (urgency)

• Needing to pass urine often (frequency – usually more than 8 times a day)

• Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)

• In some cases, leaking urine with the urge (urge incontinence)

In many cases, no clear cause is found. However, possible contributing factors include:

• Bladder muscle overactivity

• Bladder irritation or inflammation

• Hormonal changes (especially after menopause)

• Nerve problems (e.g. after stroke or with multiple sclerosis)

• Urinary tract infections (short-term)

• Lifestyle factors like too much caffeine or not drinking enough water

Not always. You can have OAB without leaking. Incontinence (urge incontinence) happens when the urge is so strong that you cannot get to the toilet in time.

Not necessarily. Many people improve with bladder training and lifestyle changes. Medication can be helpful, especially in the early stages, and may be reduced or stopped once symptoms improve.

Yes. It may take some planning, like knowing where toilets are or using pads if needed. As treatment starts working, your confidence and control usually improve.