URINARY-INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN - HOW TO HELP PATIENTS REGAIN BLADDER CONTROL

Urinary incontinence can have devastating effects on a woman's social life and physical activities. Simple diagnostic tools, including the Q-tip test and cystometry, can help identify the cause. Many causes are reversible, and an appropriate treatment regimen can bring improvement in or completely restore bladder control. Management options that may help patients avoid surgical intervention include bladder drills, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and functional electrical stimulation. Additional non-surgical approaches are currently under investigation and should result in more options for treating urinary incontinence in women.