Overactive bladder: treatment options in primary care medicine

Overactive bladder is a highly prevalent condition, affecting approximately 33 million adults in the United States. Despite the considerable impact this condition has on patients' quality of life, overactive bladder remains underrecognized and undertreated as a result of patient embarrassment and reluctance to seek medical help, as well as a lack of proactive questioning by physicians. The present article encourages physicians to initiate a dialogue with patients regarding urinary control and, specifically, overactive bladder. Treatment options for overactive bladder recommended in the current article include both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies. Properties of antimuscarinic agents, including three new drug therapies, are reviewed and provided for physicians to optimize therapy options, particularly among elderly patients.