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Welcome to NeedToPee.ie, formerly known as OAB.ie.

If you are rushing to the toilet, using the bathroom often, or waking at night to pee - you’re not alone.

This website can help you better understand your symptoms and possible treatment options.

Are you experiencing:

Urgency

Sudden urgency to pee

You get a sudden, hard-to-ignore need to pee. It can feel difficult to “hold on”.

frequency

Peeing more often than usual

You may find yourself needing the toilet more than before. Sometimes your bladder feels very full, but you only pass a small amount.

Urge

Bladder leaks (urine leakage)

Sometimes the urge comes on so quickly that you may leak urine before you reach the toilet. People often call these “wee accidents”. You may also worry about odour, especially when you’re out and about.

Nocturia

Waking at night to pee

You may wake up during the night to pee (sometimes more than once). This can disturb sleep and leave you tired during the day.

A common condition

If these symptoms feel familiar, you may be experiencing a condition known as Overactive Bladder (OAB).


You’re not alone - OAB is common, and help is available.


Speak to your GP: they’re experienced in supporting people with bladder symptoms and will discuss your treatment options.

Overactive Bladder IS:

  • Common and treatable 
  • A sudden, hard-to-ignore urge to pee 
  • Often linked with peeing frequently and waking at night
  • Sometimes linked with leakage if you can’t reach the toilet in time
  • Common in both men and women

Overactive Bladder IS NOT:

  • Something you have to live with
  • Part of getting older
  • Always caused by drinking too much water
  • The same as a urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • A female disease

You are not alone

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition in which the bladder signals the need to pass urine too often or too urgently. The good news is that many people improve with the right support and treatment.

 

It affects approximately 350,000 people over the age of 40 in Ireland.1

16% of the Irish population

over 40 years old may be affected by OAB1

Who can help?
Talk to your GP

A GP can check what’s causing your symptoms and discuss treatment options. Bringing a short symptom note or a bladder diary can help.

Treatments
Treatments

Many people can find relief through bladder training, pelvic floor support, lifestyle changes and/or medication. Your GP can help you find the approach that's right for you.

Happy older mature female patient talking to indian male doctor at appointment. Healthy smiling senior old woman feeling cheerful about good news at medical consultation. Elderly health medical care.
Resources

Download practical tools and information, including a bladder diary and tips for managing urgency day to day.

MAT-IE-NON-2026-00047 July 2026