Introduction: Traditionally, urinary frequency and/or urgency incontinence have been the primary outcome measurements for the symptom complex of overactive bladder (OAB). However, urgency, by definition, precedes urgency incontinence, and drives frequency and nocturia in OAB and should be considered in this pivotal role.
Materials and methods: Review of published literature on this topic.
Results: The management of urgency is evolving as of major clinical importance to patients. Recent use of diary-based urgency metrics has advanced our knowledge of the presence and nature of urgency symptoms, the impact on QoL and the response to treatment options.
Conclusion: It is logical that the management of the number of urgency episodes and the degree of urgency, as well as the impact and bother associated with this core symptom are all taken into consideration along with patient interpretation to facilitate an effective outcome.