Urinary incontinence: proper assessment and available treatment options.

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that imposes significant burdens on the health and well-being of the patient. Urinary incontinence is underreported because people who suffer from the disorder are often reluctant to discuss it with healthcare professionals. It is undertreated because of misperceptions regarding its etiology and amenability to therapy. Failure to distinguish among the different types of urinary incontinence can hinder optimal treatment. This summary paper reviews the types of urinary incontinence, its prevalence, its impact on medical costs and patient quality of life, and approaches to diagnosis and treatment.