Urological Health Bladder Health Managing Overactive Bladders in Men Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments By Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio, OTR/L Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio, OTR/L LinkedIn Twitter Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist and advocate for patients with Lyme disease. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 17, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD LinkedIn Twitter Matthew Wosnitzer, MD, is board-certified in urology. He is an attending physician at Yale New Haven Health System, Northeast Medical Group and teaches at the Frank Netter School of Medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print For most men, one trip to the bathroom will empty the bladder and provide relief for several hours. Men with overactive bladder (OAB) will regularly feel a powerful urge to urinate throughout the day and night. OAB can be life-altering, affect men of all ages, and wreak havoc on your job, social and active lifestyle, and your sleep. Thankfully, there are a variety of approaches available to ease an overactive bladder and get your life back. Hero Images / Getty Images Signs and Symptoms Many of the symptoms of OAB may interfere with your day-to-day activities. You may experience: Urinary urgency: This is an intense sensation to urinate, which may be difficult to stop or ignore.Urge incontinence: This is an involuntary loss of urine following a strong urge to urinate. Some people may leak small amounts of urine, while others may experience an unintentional loss of a large volume of urine.Urinary frequency: Feeling the urge to urinate more than eight times in a 24-hour period.Nocturia: This term describes the need to get up two or more times during the night to use the toilet.Pelvic pain: A 2008 study explains the inflammatory proteins, known as cytokines, may be responsible for causing pain in the pelvis or bladder and producing some of the symptoms of OAB.Incomplete voiding: Some people may have difficulty emptying their bladders. This can lead to an overactive bladder because the bladder reaches its full capacity quickly and needs to be relieved more often. While an overactive bladder may be viewed as a woman’s issue, a 2009 study states, “The prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms is considerable in both men and women, and the impact on quality of life (QOL) is equally substantial.” Prevalence An estimated 30% of all men living in the United States experience some symptoms of overactive bladder. Furthermore, a study reports that the symptoms are likely to go untreated or be treated as other conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlargement of the prostate gland. OAB may be due to other factors as well. Causes As mentioned earlier, a primary cause of OAB in men may be due to an enlarged prostate. As stated by the National Association of Continence (NAFC), about half of all men will experience an enlarged prostate by age 60—the number goes up to 90% by age 85. The enlarged prostate hinders the flow of urine, requiring extra trips to the bathroom. There are other causes of OAB as well. Neurological conditions such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries may be responsible. Plus, other medical conditions like diabetes, frequent urinary tract infections, or chronic constipation, can be potential causes; treating these conditions can reduce or reverse OAB symptoms. Additionally, structural abnormalities of the bladder and declining cognition may influence symptoms. Note that these are potential causes—it doesn't mean that your OAB is caused by any or some of these issues. An open conversation with your healthcare provider will help relieve any concern you have and determine the appropriate treatment. Treatment Options There are multiple treatment approaches available to help you manage OAB and decrease its effects on your daily life. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health (NIDDK) provides a comprehensive list of treatment approaches. They include: Bladder training: For this treatment approach, your healthcare provider will probably refer you to a pelvic health specialist or physical therapist. These are professionals with specialized training in bladder, bowel, and sexual health. Drug therapies: There are a variety of medications such as Tolterodine, Oxybutynin, and Solifenacin that relax the bladder. Common side effects of these drugs include dry eyes and dry mouth and constipation. Another category of medication includes Mirabegron (which may cause elevated blood pressure as a side effect) and Gemtesa (which may cause urinary retention). Neuromodulation: NIDDK states, “Mild electrical pulses can be used to stimulate the nerves that control the bladder and sphincter muscles.” The pulses can be delivered to a variety of locations, including through the tailbone or on specific sites on the skin. There is a range of neuromodulation devices, from conservative approaches to the surgical implantation of a permanent nerve stimulator. Injections into the bladder: In small doses, Botox injections may provide short-term relief in people who have severe urge incontinence. To remain effective, the injections have to be administered from time to time. Discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider. Surgery: Typically, surgery is a last resort when previous treatment options haven’t been successful. Surgical interventions may be used to increase the bladder’s capacity to hold urine, or, in unrelenting circumstances, the removal of the bladder may be considered. If an enlarged prostate is suspected as a cause of OAB, this should be treated with medications such as alpha blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Once the bladder begins to empty completely, then medication for OAB can be tried carefully. If the OAB medication is too potent, urinary retention can result. A Word From Verywell The signs and symptoms of an overactive bladder can be disruptive to your life, but the sooner you discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, the quicker you can be on the road to finding relief, managing the condition, and getting your life back. Please know not all treatments will work right off the bat. It may take a few attempts to find the appropriate combination of interventions to best help you. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Urology Care Foundation. What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)? Dmochowski RR, Gomelsky A. Overactive bladder in males. Ther Adv Urol. 2009;1(4):209-21. doi:10.1177/1756287209350383 National Association of Continence (NAFC). Men's Conditions. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health. Bladder Control Problems & Nerve Disease.