Title: The Evaluation and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence
Abstract: Urinary incontinence is a very common problem, especially in the geriatric population. Although urinary incontinence occurs in men, it is much more common in women. It can have a significant effect on the quality of life and has medical and economic complications. Stress urinary incontinence is the most common form of incontinence in women. It is especially common in younger women. In patients older than 60 years, urinary stress incontinence, urgency incontinence, and mixed incontinence are equally prevalent. Urge incontinence is the most common form of incontinence in men and is found primarily in older men. The evaluation of people with urinary incontinence begins with a thorough history, focusing on urologic, neurologic, and, in women, gynecologic problems. Other important components of the history include medication use, presence of current and past medical problems, previous surgical procedures (especially prostate surgery in men and pelvic surgery in women), and past obstetrical history. The effective management of those with urinary incontinence depends on an accurate diagnosis. Although not all patients will be cured of their incontinence, with appropriate treatment the majority will experience significant improvement in their symptoms. Treatment with urinary catheterization or diapers should only be considered when all the other treatment options have failed.
Publication Year: 2004
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 5
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