[Overactive bladder--definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis].

The overactive bladder is characterized by the following symptoms: frequency, urgency, nocturia and urge incontinence, substantially affecting the quality of life of millions of people throughout the world, with recent findings estimating the prevalence in adults at about 16.4%. The symptoms are associated with significant social, psychological, occupational, domestic, physical, and sexual problems. This article reviews current findings regarding definition, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of the overactive bladder.