The Changing Face of Detrusor Overactivity Therapy in Australia

The overactive bladder (OAB) symptom complex affects 17% of adults over age 40, and is more common in the older person, for reasons that are not fully known. More and more people are living longer therefore, the incidence and prevalence of this condition is likely to rise as our population ages as Australia has a high standard of health care. In contrast to stress incontinence, for which the cause is known and cure is readily available, the aetiology of detrusor overactivity remains unknown and 'cure' is not yet reliably achievable. As a result, OAB will account for a relatively greater proportion of the 'burden of disease' of female incontinence over the next decades. Managing overactive bladder in patients is discussed. New pharmacotherapy agents are discussed, and neuromodulation options are considered.