Diagnosis and Treatment of Overactive Bladder (Non-Neurogenic) in Adults - AUA/SUFU Guideline

Sep 7, 2026

Upload by Aditya

Evidence-based AUA/SUFU clinical guidance defines a framework for recognizing non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) in adults, performing a valid diagnostic process, and setting treatment goals that maximize symptom control and quality of life. The guideline synthesizes evidence from an AHRQ systematic review plus additional literature searches, then presents diagnosis and management recommendations supported by strength ratings (A, B, C) where evidence is adequate, with clinical principles and expert opinions where evidence is limited. It also outlines treatment categories, limitations in the literature, and how methods may evolve as new strategies emerge.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Methodology

OAB Diagnosis

OAB Treatment

Limitations of the Literature

Diagnosis and Treatment of Overactive Bladder (Non-Neurogenic) in Adults: AUA/SUFU Guideline E. Ann Gormley, Deborah J. Lightner, Kathryn L. Burgio, Toby C. Chai, J. Quentin Clemens, Daniel J. Culkin, Anurag Kumar Das, Harris Emilio Foster, Jr., Harriette Miles Scarpero, Christopher D. Tessier, Sandip Prasan Vasavada From the American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland, and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction | Purpose: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) .
Materials and Methods: The primary source of evidence for this guideline is the systematic review and data extraction conducted as part of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 187 titled Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Women (2009) . That report searched PubMed, MEDLINE®, EMBASE and CINAHL for Englishlanguage studies published from January 1966 to October 2008 . The AUA conducted additional literature searches to capture treatments not covered in detail by the AHRQ report and relevant articles published between October 2008 and December 2011 . The review yielded an evidence base of 151 treatment articles after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. When sufﬁcient evidence existed, the body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate) or C (low) . Additional treatment information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions when insufﬁcient evidence existed.
Results: The evidence-based guideline statements are provided for diagnosis and overall management of the adult with OAB symptoms as well as for various treatments. The panel identiﬁed ﬁrst through third line treatments as well as non-FDA approved, rarely applicable and treatments that should not be offered. Conclusions: The evidence-based statements are provided for diagnosis and overall management of OAB, as well as for the various treatments. Diagnosis and treatment methodologies can be expected to change as the evidence base grows and as new treatment strategies become obtainable. | | --- | | Key Words: urinary bladder, overactive; urinary bladder; urinary incontinence; nocturia; guideline | SECTION 1: PURPOSE THIS guideline’s purpose is to direct specialist and non-specialist clinicians and patients regarding how to recognize nonneurogenic overactive bladder, conduct a valid diagnostic process and establish treatment goals that maximize symptom control and patient quality of life while minimizing adverse events and patient burden. The most effective approach for a particular patient is best determined by the individual clinician and patient. As the science relevant to OAB improves, Guideline amendment will assure the highest contemporary clinical standards. Abbreviationsand Acronyms AE 􀀁 adverse event ER 􀀁 extended release FDA 􀀁 Food and Drug Administration IR 􀀁 immediate release OAB 􀀁 overactive bladder PTNS 􀀁 peripheral tibial nerve stimulation PVR 􀀁 post-void residual QoL 􀀁 quality of life SNS 􀀁 sacral neuromodulation UTI 􀀁 urinary tract infection The complete guideline is available at [http://](http://)[ ](http://)[www.auanet.org/content/media/OAB_guideline](www.auanet.org/content/media/OAB_guideline). pdf. This document is being printed as submission without independent editorial or peer review by the Editors of The Journal of Urology® . 0022-5347/12/1886-2455/0 THE JOURNAL OF UROLOGY® © 2012 by AMERICAN UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.09.079](http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.09.079)[ ](http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.09.079)[Vol. 188](Vol. 188), [2455-2463](2455-2463), [December 2012](December 2012) EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, INC. Printed in U.S.A. [www.jurology.com](www.jurology.com) 2455 SECTION 2: METHODOLOG

FAQs

What is the purpose of the AUA/SUFU guideline for non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB)?

The guideline directs clinicians and patients on recognizing non-neurogenic OAB, conducting a valid diagnostic process, and establishing treatment goals to maximize symptom control and quality of life while minimizing adverse events and patient burden.

How was the evidence for the guideline collected and evaluated?

The primary evidence comes from an AHRQ systematic review and data extraction (Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 187) plus additional AUA literature searches to cover treatments not fully detailed in the AHRQ report and relevant articles published later.

How does the guideline handle areas where evidence is insufficient?

When evidence is insufficient, recommendations are provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions based on widely accepted clinical care or consensus of the panel rather than on strength-rated evidence.

Sep 7, 2026

Upload by Aditya