Management options for urinary incontinence in women

Several effective nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, and surgical options exist for the management of urinary incontinence in women, according to a recent literature review. Because urinary incontinence impacts quality of life greatly and can affect up to one half of all women at some point in their lives, such options should be explored.

Effective nonpharmacologic options include pelvic floor muscle training, electrical stimulation, bladder training, and prompted voiding. Studies show that anticholinergic drugs are effective in the treatment of urge incontinence. Surgical interventions, including open retropubic colposuspension and the suburethral sling procedure, have had success in the management of stress incontinence.

Holroyd-Leduc JM, Straus SE. Management of urinary incontinence in women: scientific review. JAMA. 2004;291:986-995.