[Management of overactive bladder in women]

Overactive bladder (OAB) is defined as urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia. OAB has been reported in 9 to 43% of female patients. It is usually idiopathic. The diagnosis is clinical but an initial work-up may be needed to exclude an underlying cause (bladder tumor, stone, cystitis, neurological disorder…) using urinary tract ultrasound, urine culture or cystoscopy. The initial assessment may also include a frequency-volume chart and urodynamics. Behavioral therapy is the first line treatment. In case of failure, antimuscarinics are recommended. Nowadays, three treatment options are available for OAB refractory to antimuscarinics: sacral neuromodulation, peripheral tibial nerve stimulation and intra-detrusor injections of botulinum toxin. Surgical procedures such as augmentation cystoplasty are very rarely required.