Urinary incontinence in women

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a distressing symptom that is a result of a combination of genitourinary pathology, age-related changes, and co-morbid conditions that impair normal micturition or the functional ability to toilet oneself or both. The prevalence of urinary incontinence is rising with the growth of an ageing population, making it imperative for clinicians to be well-versed with its management in both primary and secondary care. Urinary incontinence is classified into three main types: stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence. In this paper we discuss the assessment and management of urinary incontinence with a focus on community-based strategies.