[Incontinence--a problem in women and men]

Different pathophysiology causes different types of incontinence. Urge-, Stress-, Overflow-, Reflex- and Extrasphincteric incontinence therefore need different therapeutic strategies. The basic diagnostic work-up, which can be done by any doctor in free practice comprises history, clinical investigation, urine analysis, the micturition protocol (frequency-volume-chart = FVC) and post voiding residual urine (PVR). In 80% of the elderly incontinent persons incontinence can be evaluated by basic diagnostics to such an extent, that conservative therapy can be started. If after basic diagnostic work-up the type of incontinence remains unclear, if it is a postoperative recurrent urinary incontinence, if reflex incontinence is present, or if conservative therapy is not successful within 3 weeks a further diagnostic workup by the specialist is mandatory. The specialist will perform echography of the urinary tract, endoscopy and especially urodynamics to evaluate detrusor and sphincter dysfunction precisely, if necessary also combined with X-ray (video-urodynamics). In regards to urinary stress incontinence conservative treatment strategies e.g. pelvic floor training programs, if necessary combined with electrotherapy and biofeedback have gained increasing importance. For urge-incontinence continence training programs and pharmacotherapy as well as electrotherapy are the main therapies. Reflex-incontinence should be treated by the specialist. Overflow incontinence is easy to diagnose, however, the treatment of the underlying pathophysiology must be done by the urologist. Urinary incontinence in the elderly is a special problem. Treatment of incontinence with incontinence aids (pads) only is justified in immobile and demented people, in others active treatment, comprising continence training programs and pharmacotherapy should be the goal. A Foley catheter is only justified if urinary incontinence is combined with an insufficient bladder emptying with residual urine, which can not be treated otherwise.