Perceptions and behaviours of women with bladder control problems

Results. Respondents in the survey reported multiple symptoms, e.g. stress urinary incontinence (72%), frequency (56%), nocturia (45%), urge urinary incontinence (43%) and urgency (33%). Women in both the survey and the focus groups revealed extensive use of coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. The focus groups revealed that many women were not aware that overactive bladder (OAB) is a pathophysiological condition. Approximately 30% of respondents in the survey felt uncomfortable talking to their doctor about their condition. Among women who did speak with their doctor, stress-related symptoms were described more readily than urge-related symptoms. In the survey, only about half (56%) of the women felt their OAB medication was effective, and half (50%) stopped taking their medication at some point. Information from the focus groups suggested that some women may have unrealistic expectations of onset of efficacy or extent of benefit and may be unprepared for managing side effects. Conclusions. Feelings of embarrassment and limited understanding of the pathophysiology of OAB can contribute to miscommunication between a woman and her doctor. Patient education regarding reasonable expectations coupled with suggestions for coping with unwanted side effects will likely result in better management.