Pharmacologic management of bladder dysfunction in adult women

Abstract

Women commonly experience lower urinary tract symptoms that can severely decrease quality of life. Symptoms are often associated with diagnoses such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and bladder pain syndrome. Expanding evidence supports the effectiveness of many basic nursing interventions, including behavioral management education and optimal use of various pharmacologic agents. The primary focus of this article is pharmacologic treatment of urinary symptoms in women, including new and emerging agents.

Keywords: Urinary incontinence; bladder pain syndrome; overactive bladder; pharmacologic management.