IDENTIFYING AND TREATING URINARY-INCONTINENCE - THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF THE PRIMARY-CARE PHYSICIAN

Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem that often goes undiagnos ed and untreated. Many patients are unwilling to discuss it with their physician because of embarrassment or the belief that nothing can be done. Consequently, physicians need to routinely inquire about symptom s so incontinent patients can be identified. Physicians should reassur e patients that urinary incontinence is usually a symptom of a correct able problem. Careful evaluation and office tests to determine the typ e and cause of urinary incontinence, together with appropriate treatme nt, often lead to improvement in symptoms or return to continence.