Defining Causes for Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Women

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the causes for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women visiting a urological clinic. Methods: We prospectively recruited female patients with OAB symptoms between December 2008 and February 2010. All patients were interviewed for their detailed personal and medical history. All patients completed a 3‐day frequency‐volume chart. Symptom severity was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaires. All patients underwent either conventional pressure‐flow urodynamic studies or video‐urodynamic studies. On the basis of these evaluations, patients were assigned to one of the following categories: idiopathic OAB, stress urinary incontinence (SUI)‐associated, neurogenic bladder, or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Results: A total of 108 female patients were recruited into the study. The mean age of the patients was 63.75 ± 14.02 years (range: 23–89). Detrusor overactivity was demonstrated in 55 patients (51%). The differential diagnosis was idiopathic OAB in 51 women (47.2%), SUI‐associated in 46 (42.6%), neurogenic bladder in 13 (12.0%) and BOO in 7 (6.5%). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the causes for OAB symptoms could be defined in half of the women visiting a urological clinic. Among them, SUI was the most common. Moreover, OAB symptoms in women might relate to BOO. Detailed history taking and sophisticated urodynamic studies are required for a substantial group of female patients with OAB symptoms to make the correct diagnosis and provide optimal therapy.