Urinary incontinence: a review

Urinary incontinence is underestimated in occurrence, overemphasized in relation to gender and age, and lacks clarity in terms of classification and treatment. This article provides a review of the literature concerning the concept of urinary incontinence, including a comprehensive description of the mechanisms involved in the physiology of continence and pathophysiology of incontinence. The psychosocial and economic effects of urinary incontinence are addressed, as well as urinary dysfunction in selected populations with cognitive or neurologic impairments.