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Urinary incontinence in older women: a review of conservative therapeutic interventions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2014

Gemma Wright
Gemma Wright*
Affiliation:
Department of Occupational Therapy, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Gemma Wright, Occupational Therapist, Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK. Email: Gemma.wright@wales.nhs.uk
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Summary

Urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent yet largely ignored condition that affects older women. Conservative treatment options are widely under-used and containment methods more widely prescribed. This study sought to review the efficacy of conservative approaches and identify which should be recommended. It was found that there is a strong evidence base in support of pelvic floor muscle and behavioural training with biofeedback as a useful adjunctive treatment. The use of therapeutic electrical stimulation was difficult to evaluate due to the different combinations of treatment available and a paucity of evidence of its use with older women. Lifestyle intervention and complementary therapies both demonstrated some positive outcomes. In conclusion it was felt that there is a place for conservative treatments in the management of urinary incontinence rather than relying on containment products. A combination of different treatment approaches is felt to be the most beneficial.

Keywords

incontinenceurinaryolder womenconservative treatment
Type
Review Article
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 24 , Issue 1 , February 2014 , pp. 93 - 104
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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