How widespread are the symptoms of an overactive bladder and how are they managed? A population-based prevalence study

Objective To determine the prevalence of chronic and debilitating symptoms of the overactive bladder, defined here as the presence of chronic frequenc y, urgency and urge incontinence (either alone or in any combination), and presumed to be caused by involuntary detrusor contractions. Subjects and methods Data were collected using a population-based survey (c onducted by telephone or direct interview) of men and women aged greater th an or equal to 40 years, selected from the general population in Germany, I taly, Spain, Sweden and the France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the U nited Kingdom, using a random stratified approach. The main outcome measure s were: prevalence of urinary frequency (>8 micturitions/24 h), urgency and urge incontinence; the proportion of participants who had sought medical a dvice for symptoms of an overactive bladder; and current or previous therap y received for these symptoms. Results In all, 16 776 interviews were conducted in the six European countr ies. The overall prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms in individuals a ged greater than or equal to 40 years was 16.6%, Frequency (85%) was the mo st commonly reported symptom, followed by urgency (54%) and urge incontinen ce (36%). The prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms increased with adva ncing age. Overall, 60% of respondents with symptoms had consulted a doctor but only 27% were currently receiving treatment. Conclusion Symptoms of an overactive bladder, of which frequency and urgenc y are as bothersome as urge incontinence, are highly prevalent in the gener al population However, only a few affected individuals currently receive tr eatment, Taken together, such findings indicate that there is considerable scope for improvement: in terms of how physicians diagnose and treat this c ondition.