How widespread are the symptoms of an overactive bladder and how are they managed? A population-based prevalence study

Objective To determine the prevalence of chronic and debilitating symptoms of the overactive bladder, defined here as the presence of chronic frequency, urgency and urge incontinence (either alone or in any combination), and presumed to be caused by involuntary detrusor contractions. Subjects and methods Data were collected using a population-based survey (conducted by telephone or direct interview) of men and women aged  40 years, selected from the general population in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, using a random stratified approach. The main outcome measures were: prevalence of urinary frequency (> 8 micturitions/24 h), urgency and urge incontinence; the p…