Urinary incontinence in women

Abstract:

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs in nearly every second woman older than 50 years of age. Urinary incontinence significantly reduces quality of life. It is an important public health problem with great impact on physical and mental health. Nearly 25-30% of older women develop stress urinary incontinence, which results from inborn or acquired pelvic organ support impairment, with the loss of anatomic support to vesicourethral segment. The diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence is based on medical history, gynaecologic examination, clinical testing, cystometry, cystoscopy and urodynamic testing. The treatment of urinary incontinence can be surgical and conservative. Treatment success depends on a diagnostic procedure and properly chosen treatment modality (operative or conservative). The use of contemporary diagnosis and treatment procedures yields optimal therapeutic effects and helps maintain patient’s quality of life. 

Key words:
pelvic organ prolapse; urinary incontinence, stress; surgical procedures, operative; treatment