Singapore Med J 2013; 54(8): 420-424; http://dx.doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2013165
Managing urinary incontinence in the community
How CH, Quah JH
Correspondence: Dr How Choon How, how.choon.how@singhealth.com.sg
ABSTRACT
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. There are many types of incontinence and different management options available, ranging from lifestyle modifications, medication to surgical intervention. Untreated urinary incontinence can result in a myriad of problems, including skin irritations, infections, social phobia, major depression and premature institutionalisation of elderly family members. Common barriers to optimal management include the socially embarrassing nature of the condition, which impedes open discussion, as well as the misperceptions that management must be invasive and the condition cannot be adequately managed within the community. We discuss the common types of incontinence encountered in the community and their management in the primary care setting.
Keywords: pelvic exercises, primary care, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, urinary incontinence
Singapore Med J 2013; 54(8): 420-424; http://dx.doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2013165
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RECOMMENDED READING
1. Society for Continence (Singapore). Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Urinary Incontinence. Singapore: Society for Continence, 2008. |
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2. Ng LG, Lee LS, eds. An Approach to Common Urological Conditions – a Guide for Family Physicians. Singapore: Regent Publishing. In press. |