The management of urinary incontinence in women

Urinary incontinence describes involuntary leakage of urine. Urinary incontinence is more prevalent in women than men with an increasing incidence with advancing age.¹ Stress urinary incontinence refers to involuntary leakage of urine on effort or exertion whereas urge urinary incontinence refers to involuntary leakage of urine that is associated with or preceded by a sudden desire to pass urine.¹

Mixed urinary incontinence occurs when stress and urge urinary incontinence co-exist. Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) may cause urge urinary incontinence. This usually presents with increased frequency and nocturia.² Involuntary detrusor contractions (spontaneous or provoked) that may be observed on urodynamic studies are known as detrusor overactivity.