Overactive Bladder: When Urgency Starts Running Your Day

If you feel like you’re always planning your day around the nearest toilet, you are not alone. Overactive bladder (OAB) affects both women and men and can significantly impact confidence, work, social activities, and sleep. Yet many people assume it’s just “part of getting older” or something they must live with. 

What is Urinary Urgency?

Overactive bladder is typically characterised by urinary urgency (a sudden, strong need to void), increased frequency, nocturia, and sometimes urge-related leakage. Importantly, OAB isn’t always caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. In fact, many people with urgency have a bladder that has become overly sensitive or reactive. 

One common contributor is habitual “just in case” voiding. Over time, this teaches the bladder to signal urgency at lower volumes. Other contributing factors include stress, caffeine, constipation, reduced pelvic floor coordination, or a pelvic floor that is actually tight rather than weak. 

How a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Can Help Support an Overactive Bladder

Pelvic floor physiotherapy takes a whole-system approach to managing overactive bladder. Treatment often includes bladder retraining to gradually increase the time between voids, helping the bladder tolerate normal filling again. Urge suppression strategies—such as specific breathing techniques, pelvic floor timing strategies (when appropriate), and cognitive distraction—can help reduce the panic that often accompanies urgency. 

Fluid intake is also reviewed carefully. Contrary to popular belief, drinking less water often worsens urgency by irritating the bladder lining. Constipation management is another key area, as bowel loading can significantly aggravate bladder symptoms. 

A pelvic floor assessment helps determine whether muscles need strengthening, relaxation, or improved coordination with breathing and movement. Education is a major part of treatment, empowering clients to understand what their bladder is doing and why. 

Make an Appointment at Western Women’s and Men’s Health

If urgency, frequent toilet trips, or fear of leakage are affecting your quality of life, help is available.  

At Western Women’s and Men’s Health, we provide pelvic floor physiotherapy for women and men across all life stages, including bladder and bowel concerns, pelvic pain, pregnancy and postnatal care, menopause, and men’s pelvic health.

Please contact Urvi or Jacqueline on 9749 5110 to assist with your pelvic floor needs.