Evaluation of urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction in women

Urinary incontinence currently affects 33 million American women. In the next 30 years the population over 60 years will increase by 80-90%. This will result in a tremendous increase in patients suffering this condition. It is therefore not feasible for evaluation and treatment to be limited to specialists. Primary care physicians must be comfortable performing basic evaluations which will enable them to formulate a diagnosis and conservative treatment plan. This article outlines a practical approach.