Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Challenge between Conservative and Surgical Therapy

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a socially embarrassing condition, causing withdrawal from social situations and reduced quality of life. This withdrawal from regular physical activities may be a threat to women’s general health predisposing to osteoporosis, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, depression and anxiety. 

UI is defined by the International Continence Society as a condition in which involuntary loss of urine is a social or hygienic problem and is objectively demonstrable. UI is more common in women than in men and affects women of all ages. Prevalence rate in women between 15 and 64 years of age vary from 10% to 30% which increases with age. The prevalence of UI is significantly higher for individuals living in nursing homes, compared to community settings, with rates ranging from 43% to 77%. The severity of incontinence also increases with age. While a specific etiologic cause of urinary incontinence is often identifiable in younger persons, a multifactorial syndrome is more likely in older persons.