An overactive bladder results in sudden, uncontrolled urges to urinate. And this even without the bladder having reached its maximum capacity.

An overactive bladder is characterized by a limited ability to manage the bladder, and therefore the urge to urinate.

This is defined in particular by the intense and imminent need to urinate, without necessarily that the bladder has reached its maximum capacity (ie between 400 and 600 mL). Or even the simple need to go to the toilet regularly during the day, and / or at night.

In the context of an impossibility, or the absence of toilets, overactive bladder syndrome can be the cause of urinary leakage, or incontinence.

Having an overactive bladder results in tightening of the internal walls of the bladder, regardless of how full it is.

Indeed, the bladder can be illustrated as being a balloon, capable of stretching when it fills and of tightening after urinating. This mechanism is possible thanks to two muscles of the bladder: the urethra and the detrusor (muscle covering the inside of the bladder).

The urge to urinate is then given when this last muscle tightens. Or when the bladder reaches its maximum level of capacity. In the context of an overactive bladder, the tightening of the detrusor occurs, regardless of the level of filling of the bladder. Hence the desire to urinate without even the bladder being full.

Every individual can be faced with an overactive bladder problem. However, this problem is magnified with age and women are more often faced with it.

The characteristic clinical signs of an overactive bladder are:

• frequent (or even very frequent) urges to urinate, even if the bladder has not reached its maximum capacity;
• the need to go to the toilet regularly, with the fear of having to urinate at an inappropriate time;
• urine leakage and incontinence when the person cannot go to the toilet or there is no toilet nearby.

Among the risk factors for an overactive bladder we can cite:

• urinary tract infection
• the presence of kidney stones
• nervous system disorders
• increased consumption of drinks containing caffeine.

In terms of preventing an overactive bladder, it is especially not a question of limiting its hydration but of avoiding certain drinks, such as: alcohol, drinks containing caffeine, carbonated drinks, fruit juices.

But also to avoid certain foods: citrus fruits, fruits, spicy foods, vinegar, chocolate,

It is also recommended not to drink after dinner and to always go to the toilet before going to bed, in order to avoid (or limit) the urge to urinate at night.

There are several ways to limit (or treat) the problem of an overactive bladder:

• bladder rehabilitation exercises, to limit the urge to urinate
• specific medications to reduce the number of cravings and limit leaks
• an injection of botulinum toxin into the muscle of the bladder, allowing the bladder to hold more urine
• stimulation of the tibial nerve, located at the ankle and playing an important role in bladder management.