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Urinary incontinence

Related theory

Urinary incontinence affects both men and women throughout the world. Roughly 11–34% of men over the age of 65 suffer with urinary incontinence (Clemens et al. [49]), and it is thought that 12–53% of women of all ages suffer from urinary incontinence (Serati and Ghezzi [221]). Urinary incontinence can be defined in many ways. Throughout this section you will find evidence‐based approaches to managing urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence has many impacts on the lives of those who suffer from it and should be fully assessed to find the cause, which will signpost the suitable management approach. Urinary incontinence can have a negative effect on sleep, psychological and emotional wellbeing, relationships, working life and social life, and overall quality of life can be altered with any form of urinary incontinence (Abrams et al. [3]). Studies have shown that people affected by urinary incontinence feel ashamed, embarrassed and anxious around their condition (Nazarko [159]).
Risk factors include the following:
  • age (Devore et al. [66])
  • neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease or spinal cord injury) (Nethercliffe [160])
  • surgical procedures (e.g. hysterectomy, pelvic surgery) (Stothers and Friedman [233])
  • diabetes (Stothers and Friedman [233])
  • higher body mass index (Devore et al. [66])
  • physical trauma (e.g. childbirth) (Nethercliffe [160])
  • menopause (Legendre et al. [129])
  • cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Mody and Juthani‐Mehta [148])
  • enlargement of the prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • prostate surgery (Macaulay et al. [137])
  • prostate cancer (Macaulay et al. [137]).
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