What is urinary incontinence?

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (involuntary leaking), unlike premenstrual syndrome or the menopause and HRT, is not a subject that is readily discussed socially. A young woman with this problem runs the risk of shocking her friends or family at the least mention of the subject. Many women with incontinence shy away from discussing it even with their doctor, often for many years, hoping that it will disappear. This is particularly sad, not only because there may be loss of self-esteem and avoidance of socialising, but also because there are invariably treatments that may provide either a complete cure or, at the very least, significant improvement. Often the family doctor may be able to provide initial advice although referral to a specialist physiotherapist may be the best approach.

When specialist advice is required either a urologist, a specialist in urinary problems, or a gynaecologist should be consulted; the two specialities overlap in this area.

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