How long do we have to treat overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)? A questionnaire survey of Canadian urologists and gynecologists.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a highly prevalent and costly condition worldwide with negative impact on health-related quality of life. Although many guidelines exist and anticholinergics are considered to be the mainstay of pharmacological treatment, data are lacking regarding optimal treatment duration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine practice patterns of Canadian urologists and gynecologists regarding duration of OAB pharmacotherapy.
METHODS: A 14-question survey was designed and survey links (English and French) were sent by email to all practicing urologists and gynecologists registered with the Canadian Urological Association and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada via the associations' email lists. The SurveyMonkey website served as platform where responses were collected and stored.
RESULTS: A total of 301 physicians completed the questionnaire; 250 respondents (83%) prescribe anticholinergics or beta-3-adrenoceptor agonist (mirabegron) in their practice, and 202 (81%) start patient treatment with the lowest recommended medication dose. One hundred and twelve respondents (45% of those who prescribe OAB medications) classified OAB pharmacotherapy as a lifelong management strategy, whereas 130 (52% of those who prescribe OAB medications) think that OAB pharmacotherapy should be administered for a defined time period. Six-month and one-year time periods of drug treatments are the most commonly chosen answers given by physicians who treat their patients for a defined duration.
CONCLUSION: There is general agreement among Canadian urologists and gynecologists that OAB treatment should be started with the lowest recommended medication dose. A slim majority of respondents think that OAB pharmacotherapy should be administered for a defined duration.