Introduction
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition that affects males and females of all ages.1
The main symptom of OAB is an uncomfortable feeling of an urgent need to pass urine, but this is often accompanied by other symptoms, including frequent need to pass urine and leaking of urine.2
Although the exact numbers in South Africa are not clear, studies from Europe, Canada and America indicate that overall, up to 1 out of 5 people suffer from symptoms of OAB and more than half of them experience additional distressing urinary symptoms, such as difficulty passing urine or dribbling after passing urine.1,2
Symptoms of OAB are more common in women and increase with age. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of every 50 women, aged 18-24 years, and 1 out of every 5 women aged over 65 years, experience symptoms of incontinence and OAB.1
If it is left untreated, OAB can have a profound impact on quality of life and enjoyment of daily activities.2 However, the good news is that OAB can be treated and you do not need to suffer from the discomfort and embarrassment of symptoms.
