Overactive Bladder (OAB)
What Is It?
Syndrome of urgency with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency (8 or more voids per day) and nocturia. Due to detrusor muscle overactivity. Affects quality of life significantly.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Voiding diary, ICIQ-OAB questionnaire, urinalysis and culture (rule out UTI, hematuria). Post-void residual measurement. Urodynamic testing for complex cases.
How Is It Treated?
First-line: bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, fluid and caffeine management. Second-line: antimuscarinics (oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin) or beta-3 agonist (mirabegron). Third-line: Botox injection, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, sacral neuromodulation.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
Urinalysis and culture, post-void residual, voiding diary, cytology if hematuria.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. Urinalysis: $15-$25. Mirabegron: $200-$300/month. Oxybutynin (generic): $10-$20/month.