The practical update for family physicians in the diagnosis and management of overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To provide family physicians with an up-to-date, practical overview of the diagnosis and management of overactive bladder (OAB) alone or with bladder outlet obstruction.

MAIN MESSAGE: OAB is urinary urgency with or without incontinence, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia, in the absence of urinary tract infection and can affect both men and women. Men often have co-existing OAB associated with bladder outlet obstruction, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. OAB can interfere with sleep, social activities, and sexual encounters, and it increases the risk of falls.

CONCLUSION: Many patients with OAB seek initial evaluation and treatment from their family physicians. Optimal management of OAB by family physicians will improve patients' quality of life. More severe cases or 'red flags' uncovered while making the diagnosis, might warrant referral to a urologist.