Identifying and managing stress incontinence in the elderly

Abstract

Stress incontinence is common in elderly women, as it is in childbearing and perimenopausal women, but it often presents differently and has different causes. Surgical repair remains the most effective therapy, but no one procedure will resolve all cases and sometimes other forms of therapy are preferable. The physician is urged to remain alert for signs and symptoms, to pursue the diagnosis, and to make informed referrals for care.