Overactive bladder (OAB) is divided into two types: OAB-dry (without incontinence) and OAB-wet (with incontinence). Previously considered as varying severities of the same disease, new research suggests they may have different underlying causes. A study out of University of California, Los Angeles, indicates that OAB-dry might be driven by pelvic floor myofascial dysfunction, whereas OAB-wet is more associated with urgency incontinence.

The study compared patients with OAB-dry with patients with OAB-wet using data from questionnaires and physical examinations. Results showed that patients with OAB-dry were more likely to report symptoms like incomplete bladder emptying, straining to urinate, and bladder discomfort. Patients with OAB-wet experienced more urgency-related incontinence. The findings suggest that patients with OAB-dry may benefit from treatments focusing on pelvic floor rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and biofeedback. Further research is needed to explore the different pathophysiologies and develop more targeted treatments.

Reference: Ungerleider D. What’s the Difference Between OAB-wet and OAB-dry? MedPage Today. Published February 15, 2023. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.medpagetoday.com/resource-centers/urologic-health/whats-difference-between-oab-wet-and-oab-dry/4356