The evaluation of normal and pathological bladder sensations

Studies of bladder sensations are often invasive and therefore aggravating for patients with an overactive bladder. Aim of this PhD research was the development of non-invasive methods and an understandable and applicable terminology to evaluate bladder sensations. In focus groups, a constant urine production was generated by a so-called ‘water load protocol’. This protocol, combined with a constant focus on the bladder, offers the possibility to evaluate in a non-invasive way the origin of the sensation of having to urinate, and to establish a clear and applicable terminology. Also by keeping a sensation-related urination diary that contains a scale for the degree of the urge and the degree of bladder fullness, bladder sensations can be evaluated.