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Understanding overactive bladder

Written with Consultant Nurse, Dr Angie Rantell, this guide offers advice for managing and treating overactive bladder. Learn what overactive bladder is, the common symptoms of the condition, self-help strategies and when to seek help.

Support for living with overactive bladder

Overactive bladder can have a big impact on your life, sleep, confidence and social wellbeing. This guide developed with Dr Angie Rantell covers:

✅ What overactive bladder is and common symptoms

✅ Self-help strategies that can improve symptoms of overactive bladder

✅ Available treatments – medication and advanced options

✅ When to seek medical advice

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What help you’ll find inside 👀

Management of overactive bladder

Pages 6–10

Learn simple techniques and lifestyle changes to help manage overactive bladder symptoms, including diet, pelvic floor exercises, hydration, bladder training, and keeping a bladder diary.

What to expect at a medical appointment

Page 13

Understand what tests a healthcare professional may do at your initial appointment and what questions they may ask you to understand your symptoms.

Treatment options: medicine

Page 14

Explore the available medication you may be prescribed for overactive bladder, including beta-3 agonists and anticholinergic medications.

Advanced treatments

Page 15

Learn what advanced treatment options there are for overactive bladder, including nerve stimulation and Bladder Botox injections.

Image of Angie Rantell

Meet the author

Dr Angie Rantell PHD, ALNP


Consultant Nurse Urogynaecology
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust