Urinary Incontinence and Dysfunction in Primary Care

ABSTRACT

Urinary disorders are important factors that affect the quality of life. Urinary incontinence refers to urine leakage against will and is categorized intostress incontinence, urge incontinence, and other types. The prevalence of incontinence increases with aging. Since most patients hesitate talkingabout urinary problems, it is important to proactively ask questions to ensure proper care. The diagnostic approach includes history taking, physicalexamination, and urinalysis. The use of specific questionnaires and voiding diaries is also beneficial. The first management option for patients withincontinence is conservative treatment, especially training for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Anti-cholinergic medications and mirabegronare used for treating urge incontinence. To minimize adverse events, starting medications at low doses, with follow-up at short intervals, isrecommended. For treating stress incontinence, surgical approaches like sling surgery are preferred to medications. Primary physicians need to payattention to urinary problems to help older patients address their difficulties and to promote their quality of life.