Overactive Bladder

Full Title: The Etiology and Treatment Alternatives for Overactive Bladder in Women as a Condition of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Expected Release Date: late 2009

Key Questions

1. What is the incidence and prevalence of overactive bladder, as estimated in representative populations by self-report, clinical presentation, and physical examination or urodynamic findings?
2. Among women with overactive bladder, what are the short and long-term outcomes of the following treatment approaches, or combinations of treatment approaches:
   1. Pharmacologic.
   2. Surgical.
   3. Behavioral.
   4. Physical therapy.
   5. Alternative therapies (including herbal and over-the-counter remedies, as well as acupuncture).
3. Where direct comparisons have been made between or among the treatment modalities of interest, which modalities achieve superior outcomes with respect to benefits, short and long-term risks, and quality of life?
4. Are the short and long term outcomes of these treatment approaches modified by etiology, clinical presentation, physical exam findings or urodynamics, menopausal status, or other factors?
5. What are the costs associated with these treatment approaches?

Current as of June 2008

Internet Citation:

The Etiology and Treatment Alternatives for Overactive Bladder in Women as a Condition of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Clinical Focus. June 2008. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/bladdertp.htm