A Comparison of the Frequencies of Medical Therapies for Overactive Bladder in Men and Women: Analysis of More Than 7.2 Million Aging Patients

BackgroundThe study of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms has historically focused on women. However, it is now evident that men, including those with benign prostatic hyperplasia, have OAB symptoms that respond to anticholinergic therapy. The current OAB treatment frequencies by gender are unknown.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare the treatment patterns among men and women diagnosed with OAB.Design, setting, and participantsPatients ≥45 yr in the IMS Health data set with more than one diagnosis code for OAB during a 12-mo period ending December 2007.InterventionTreated patients filled a prescription for either an anticholinergic or a tricyclic antidepressant medication; untreated patients did not.MeasurementsFrequencies of OAB diagnoses and medical therapies by age and gender were compared.Results and limitationsOf the 7 244 501 patients ≥45yr with an OAB diagnosis, 24.4% of these were treated; 75.6% went untreated. Only 25.6% of those treated were men. The diagnosis and treatment frequency increased in both men and women as a function of age. However, in every age group, there was a significantly (p < 0.001) decreased proportion of men treated compared with women.ConclusionsDespite OAB prevalence, many patients receive no medical treatment. Although the usefulness of OAB medications in men is becoming increasingly recognized, men are significantly less likely to be treated with OAB medications than women.