Female Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Female incontinence is a common problem, which can have a significant impact on quality of life by leading to social exclusion, a sense of shame, and in some cases giving rise to symptoms of depression. It is often a hidden problem, as many women either feel too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms or merely see and accept it as an inevitable consequence of bearing children.

The three most common types of incontinence affecting women are stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence. It is important to be able to identify the type of incontinence from the symptoms described as the management of each differs considerably. The clinician must also have a clear understanding of the risk factors involved in the etiology of incontinence so that a holistic approach to management can be implemented.

This chapter aims to show how the initial assessment and treatment of women with urinary incontinence can be readily accomplished in the community when following a clear diagnostic algorithm. Appropriate referral on to specialist urological services is required when conservative measures fail.