Urinary incontinence in the female. A long-term study of the effect of anticholinergics on overactive detrusor function.

Abstract

The long-term effect of anticholinergic medication in female patients with overactive detrusor function was studied in a group of 73 patients. The definition of overactive detrusor function is in accordance with the terminology and definition of the International Continence Society. The patients were mailed a questionnaire about the medication, its effect on the continence situation, the side effects, and whether they still used the drugs. The duration of observation was more than 12 months. A satisfactory effect of the treatment was found in 43% while 50% reported no effect or severe side effect. Only 5% stopped the medication because of side effects, 18% because of lack of effect, while 42% had resigned themselves to their voiding disorders. Twenty-nine claimed to be cured or were still using the drug with beneficial effect. Nevertheless the treatment had continued for 6 months in both the group with no effect and in the group with good effect. The anticholinergic medication is of some value because it helps the patient to accept the bladder dysfunction, to alter the micturition habits and to assist in re-establishing inhibition of the micturition reflex.