Risk Factors Associated with an Overactive Bladder

Our susceptibility to diseases and conditions relating to them are a combination of risk factors. The causes can range anywhere from lifestyle to environment, age and genetics. When it comes to overactive bladder, some people are going to pose a higher risk than others. Paying careful and close attention to your lifestyle choices and risk factors may help determine whether you could succumb to certain health conditions. Certain ailments may affect your bladder.

Urinary Tract Infection

The first condition that we should consider is a urinary tract infection, or UTI. A UTI is going to cause an overactive bladder and possible discomfort during urination. It is easily diagnosable and treatable with antibiotics.


The risk for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence increases with age for both men and women. Studies indicate that only 3.4% of men experience problems in the urinary system. This number jumps to a shocking 41.9% past the age of 75. Women are even twice at risk with 8.7% of them between the ages of 40-44 experiencing symptoms, and that number increases to 31.3% for women over 75 years old.


Women are at greater risk for urinary incontinence. Pregnancy, vaginal childbirth and a hysterectomy may lead to vaginal leakage. Menopause is something that all the women will experience eventually, and there’s also a possibility that this may disturb healthy bladder function.

Men are less likely to have it at a younger age, but as they grow older, the likelihood of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH develops. 30% of men in the United States suffer from OAB.

Approximately 50% of men adhere to BPH symptoms by age 60 while 90% do by the time they’re 85.


Certain medications may cause the occurrence of overactive bladder and stress incontinence. Steroids, water pills, caffeine and taking medications like antidepressants, narcotics and sedatives can increase your urine production.


A vesical calculus, or bladder stone, is a buildup of minerals that accumulate when the bladder doesn’t empty after voiding. If this continues to occur, the minerals convert to crystals, which grow larger over time. Bladder stones cause pain in the lower abdomen and discomfort or pain in the penis. Men over the age of 50 tend to experience bladder stones whereas it is not as common in women. This may cause a change in urine color, a presence of blood, and pain during urination.


It has been reported that more than 300,000 people die annually due to obesity. It is often caused by a sedentary existence and poor diet. Obesity also poses its own risk factors including urinary incontinence. Over 60% of overweight women who are candidates for weight-loss surgery experience incontinence. A higher BMI is going to cause excessive abdominal fat which contributes to stress and urinary incontinence. A reduction in weight has been proven to decrease incontinence.

Nerve Damage

Individuals with nerve damage no longer receive signals that the bladder is full. Nerve damage may be caused by pelvic surgery. This can lead to urine leakage and loss of bladder control.

Neurological Conditions

People who have experienced a stroke or have multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease are mostly prone to need bladder-control medication like UriVArx.

Overactive bladder affects millions of people and it may be hard to pinpoint the culprit. Regular check-ups and communication with your doctor will help you treat and recognize any symptoms that may be the source of your discomfort. Seeking treatment for OAB symptoms is always recommended. Lifestyle changes, medication or surgery is often suggested to help lead you to a more comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Sometimes overactive bladder control medication like UriVArx may be helpful. Consult your doctor to find out which bladder-control pills are right for you.