Stress urinary incontinence: new management options

Stress urinary incontinence is the most prevalent form of urinary incontinence. In spite of its significant negative impact on quality of life less than one-third of patients in the UK present with symptoms to their GP. The current mainstay treatment is pelvic floor exercises. Previously, the only option available to patients for whom conservative treatments were not effective has been surgical intervention. However, recent developments have led to the first selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that has proved effective in the treatment inhibitor of stress urinary incontinence. This article profiles current treatments and the place of an oral agent in stress urinary incontinence. This review article includes papers that were retrieved through PubMed using search criteria 'stress urinary incontinence', 'management' and the specific therapy area, e.g. tension-free vaginal tape. The main guidance of the Department of Health (London, UK) and associated bodies was also used.