Overactive bladder (OAB) is distinct from other urinary issues in that it is primarily characterized by the sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, often accompanied by frequency and incontinence. Unlike urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause burning, pain, or discomfort during urination, OAB involves a dysfunction in the bladder’s ability to hold urine due to involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles. This can result in symptoms like frequent trips to the bathroom during the day and night, as well as an urgent need to urinate that cannot be postponed.

Other urinary issues, such as urinary retention, involve difficulty emptying the bladder completely, leading to discomfort or a feeling of fullness. In contrast, OAB typically involves an overactive bladder muscle that contracts too frequently, even when the bladder isn’t full. Additionally, OAB differs from other forms of incontinence, such as stress incontinence, where leakage occurs due to increased abdominal pressure from coughing, sneezing, or physical activity. Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, whereas OAB is primarily due to nerve signals triggering involuntary bladder contractions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to distinguishing OAB from other urinary conditions, as each requires different management approaches.