Incidence and prevalence of overactive bladder.

Recent changes in terminology, diagnosis, and therapy have refocused attention on overactive bladder (OAB). This symptom syndrome is highly prevalent worldwide and significantly impairs the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Accurate epidemiologic incidence and prevalence studies of OAB have been hampered in the past by, among other issues, a generalized lack of agreement regarding definition of the disorder, and consequently, accurate case finding. This obstacle resulted in considerably wide estimates in the reported incidence and prevalence of OAB in the literature. A new symptom-based definition of OAB, formally adopted by the Standardization Committee at a recent International Continence Society meeting, should provide a framework for future epidemiologic studies. Current estimates of incidence, prevalence, effects on quality of life, and societal costs may need to be reassessed based on these new data.