Primary care for women. Assessment and management of genitourinary tract disorders

This article reviews the basic anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system and disorders commonly encountered in the primary care setting. The role of the nurse-midwife in the assessment and treatment or referral of complaints of dysuria, hematuria, and incontinence is discussed. The treatment of nonpregnant women with cystitis is addressed; symptoms associated with pelvic relaxation are discussed, and a management scheme for teaching effective pelvic floor exercises is presented.