The truth is that an overactive bladder is almost equally prevalent in men and women, although urge incontinence is generally more common in women. It is not part of getting older although it is more commonly diagnosed in elderly people. In addition to the physical symptoms experienced, the real impact for people with an overactive bladder is felt in the decline of quality of life. If left untreated, an overactive bladder can prevent normal living 24 hours a day. Many people are simply too embarrassed to discuss the problem with their doctor or believe that they won't be taken seriously.
Elderly sufferers fear being placed in a nursing home.
For others the many myths and denials surrounding the condition will prevent them from seeing their doctor. Rather than face their doctor, people develop elaborate ways of coping, few of which address the real problem. The symptoms of an overactive bladder occur because the detrusor muscle, which plays a key role in controlling the bladder, is overactive and contracts often and inappropriately, resulting in urgency. It is known that in men, prostate problems are often implicated. For others, there may be a neurological problem which interferes with the signals running from the brain to the bladder.