Overactive Bladder (OAB) Specialist in Northern Virginia

The most common symptom of OAB is a sudden urge to urinate that you can't control. Some people will leak urine when they feel the urge. As many as 30% of men and 40% of women in the United States live with OAB symptoms. The board-certified urologists at Potomac Urology specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of OAB. If you're experiencing symptoms of OAB, contact us today to schedule an appointment in Alexandria or Woodbridge. Give our office a call at (703) 680-2111 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

What are the Symptoms of Overactive Bladder?

• Urgency
• Leaking urine/incontinence
• Urinate frequently
• Waking up at night to urinate/nocturia
• Urinating small amounts

What Are the Causes of Bladder Control Issues?

How the Urinary Tract Works  The bladder and kidneys are part of the urinary system the organs in our bodies that produce, store and pass urine. Urine is stored in the bladder. Once you are ready to urinate, the brain sends a signal to the bladder. Then the bladder muscles squeeze (or "contract"). This forces the urine out through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your body. OAB can be caused by the nerve signals between your bladder and brain telling your bladder to empty even when it isn't full. OAB can also be the result of your bladder muscles being too active. Then your bladder muscles contract to pass urine before your bladder is full, and that causes a sudden, strong need to urinate. We call this "urgency."

What Are the Risk Factors for Overactive Bladder?

• Age
• Women who have gone through menopause
• Men who have had prostate problems
• People with diseases that affect the brain or spinal cord (stroke, multiple sclerosis)