There are various types of incontinence

• Stress incontinence or urethral sphincter incompetence (USI): is the involuntary loss of urine during every day activities. This can occur when a woman coughs, sneeze, runs or stand up from a lying position. Other complaints may also include frequency. It can affect intercourse and other activities such as sports. These symptoms are not life threatening, but it can disrupt a woman's life and therefore affecting her quality of life.

Factors that may be associated with USI include child birth, menopause (lack of oestrogen), trauma and previous surgery, obesity and straining e.g. constipation).

Routine tests

• A urine sample mid-stream urine) is examined for signs of infection.
  
  
• Bladder diary - to keep a record of how much fluid you drink per day or how much you urinate
  
  
• Urodynamic studies
  
  
• Pelvic ultrasound
  
  
• Cystoscopy (looking inside the bladder with a small camera)

Treatment

• Change in life style - reducing fluid intake, weight loss, HRT and diet to include lots of fibre to avoid constipation.
  
  
• Pelvic floor exercises
  
  
• Medical
  
  
• Surgical

TVT (tension-free vaginal tape)

TOT (trans-obturator tape)