Nonoperative management of urinary incontinence

Recent public health policies emphasize managing urinary incontinence nonoperatively, rather than proceeding directly to surgery. Advantages of this approach include decreased cost and risk. Additionally, incontinence treatment becomes accessible to many more women, by expanding care to nonspecialists. This article reviews data published in the past 18-24 months pertaining to conservative management of incontinence. Specific modalities reviewed include pelvic floor muscle exercises, electrical stimulation, medication, vaginal devices, and bladder training.