There are several causes of an overactive bladder in women, some of the most common include: - Nerve Damage — There are several diseases, as well as types of trauma, that can cause misfiring of signals to the brain and the bladder, resulting in an attempt to empty the bladder at the wrong time. The damage caused by medical conditions or types of trauma can confuse the nerves in the brain and the bladder about when the bladder needs to be emptied and may result from a variety of different situations, including: - Back surgery - Pelvic surgery - Radiation - Stroke - Multiple sclerosis - Parkinson’s disease - Herniated disc - Weak Pelvic Floor — The pelvic floor refers to the layers of muscle at the base of the abdomen, attached to the pelvis. If the strength of these muscles is compromised by a medical condition, from lack of exercise, or due to aging, it is referred to as a weak pelvic floor. Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause the bladder to sag and move out of its original position, resulting in problems with bladder leakage and an overactive bladder. - Infection — Infections, such as urinary tract infections, can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, and ureters. In any of these cases, it can cause irritation to the nerves surrounding the bladder. As a result, this can cause the bladder to contract without warning, leading to incontinence or the frequent need to urinate. - Caffeine, Medications, and Alcohol — Caffeine, alcohol, and certain types of medications can impact how nerve signals are sent to the brain. Medications, such as diuretics and caffeine, can cause the bladder to fill up quickly, resulting in an urgent need to empty the bladder. Not only does this increase the frequency of urination, but it can also potentially result in bladder leakage. - Excess Weight — Having extra body weight puts additional pressure on the bladder, which can lead to the development of incontinence or an overactive bladder.