What is the primary symptom of overactive bladder?

The primary symptom of overactive bladder is urgency, which is characterized by a sudden and compelling need to urinate that is difficult to defer. This sensation can occur even when the bladder is not full, causing discomfort and distress for those affected. Urgency is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as frequency of urination, which means the individual may feel the need to urinate more often than normal, and sometimes urgency can lead to incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine. However, urgency is the hallmark symptom that defines the condition, distinguishing it from other urinary disorders. Understanding this primary symptom is crucial for diagnosing and managing overactive bladder effectively.