BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) — Overactive bladder disorder, with urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia and urge incontinence as common symptoms, seriously affects the quality of life. However, many people do not know that this is also a disease, and most patients never seek treatment. Several hospitals in Beijing have recently set up new incontinence clinics, and experts warn that it is important to receive standardized treatment when related symptoms are detected. Yang Yong, director of urology at Peking University Cancer Hospital, recently introduced an epidemiological survey completed in 2009 in China, showing that the overall prevalence of overactive bladder in people over 40 years old is about 11.3%, with a higher incidence than even diabetes and osteoporosis. The prevalence of the disease increases with age, usually about 1 in 5 women after age 45 and 1 in 4 men after age 55. About half of the patients with BPH also have overactive bladder syndrome. Yang Yong said that overactive bladder disorder significantly affects the quality of life of the elderly, some elderly patients use adult diapers and pads throughout the day, think about finding the toilet when they go out, choose a location near the restroom or exit when taking public transportation such as airplanes and trains, and even have to go out less. In addition to psychological stress and mental strain, overactive bladder disorder can also increase the risk of falls, fractures and depression. Xu Kexin, a professor of urology at Peking University People’s Hospital, said research shows that more than half of patients with overactive bladder disorder have never been seen. The reason for this is that, in addition to the low prevalence of the disease, many patients mistakenly view its symptoms as an inevitable natural part of aging, and some patients are too shy to seek medical attention and delay treatment. Yang Yong said that the current treatment for overactive bladder includes medication, behavioral training, and lifestyle modification, and the Chinese urological guidelines recommend combined treatment; Xu Kexin said that the first-line medications recommended by the current guidelines can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. In addition, delayed urination and regular urination under the guidance of doctors, prompting the bladder to form regular urination habits, as well as drinking less strong tea and coffee and eating less spicy food, can also appropriately relieve symptoms. It is understood that the People’s Hospital of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University, Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University and Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University have recently set up new urinary incontinence clinics. Experts remind the public that they should receive further diagnosis and standardized treatment from urologists once relevant symptoms are detected.