Office management of female urinary incontinence

Abstract

The majority of incontinent women are manageable using office-based techniques. This article reviews the basic causes of per urethram urinary incontinence, and summarizes how to optimally evaluate them from a clinical and urodynamic standpoint in the office setting. Emphasis is made on the progress and efficiency of the wide range of ambulatory treatment options, which include behavioral treatments, pharmacotherapy, periurethral injection of bulking agents, anti-incontinence devises, and the use of absorbent products. The economy-driven trend to decrease hospital management of disease and patient interest in noninvasive techniques will continue to increase the importance of the key role played by the office urologist in the management of female urinary incontinence.