Stress urinary incontinence often underdiagnosed and under-reported

摘要

The incidence of urinary incontinence increases with age. Sadly, this often-present and socially debilitating disease, is, in India, under-reported due to a lack of recognition. This lack encompasses the working knowledge of the factors contributing to making an effective diagnosis. It also is due to a deficiency in the treatment and management pathways that are now considered standard protocol, In particular, urinary incontinence in women, and especially stress urinary incontinence, is a never suspected symptom. To be able to provide optimum care to women, it has therefore become imperative that general practitioners factor in this knowledge into their already vast medical responsibilities. As the general life expectancy in India rises, primary care physicians can expect to see an increasing number of patients with urinary incontinence, and in particular, stress urinary incontinence. By obtaining a careful history and performing a thorough physical examination, the general practitioner can very often initiate therapy or suggest an appropriate care pathway for the patient. Stress urinary incontinence is an underdiagnosed disease. The fact that it is under-reported makes the responsibility of the general practitioner even more acute! There is no doubt that it has major economic and psychological effects on society.