Objective      To investigate the urodynamic characteristics of female patients with overactive bladder (OAB).        Methods      A prospective case-control study was carried out in 70 female patients with diagnosed OAB (OAB group) and 30 healthy female volunteers (control group). All the subjects underwent a standard urodynamic examination

and the data obtained were compared and statistically analyzed between the two groups.        Results      Two patients who were diagnosed as bladder outlet obstruction were excluded from the OAB group. The voided volume (V

v

) and average urine flow r

ate (Q

ave

) were significantly less in the OAB group than in the control group (P0.05). The volume at first desire (VFD)

volume at strong void (VSD)

volume at urgent desire (VUR)

maximum bladder capacity (MC) and bladder compliance (BC) were significantly less in the OAB group than in the control group (P0.01). The maximum urine flow rate of detrusor pressure (PdetQ

max

)

bladder neck pressure (P1) and maximum urethral pressure (MUP) were significantly higher in the OAB group than in the control group (P0.01). The incidence of detrusor overactivity (DO) in the OAB group (23.5%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (3.3%) (P0.01). The incidence of hyperesthesia in the OAB group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P0.01).       Conclusion      Urodynamic examination is important for the diagnosis of OAB in female patients

and is useful for personalized treatment.