Urinary incontinence and infections

Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a problem for many women; at least half never mention the problem to their health care providers. Importance and epidemiology: UI is very common. Some studies suggest that approximately two-thirds of all women may suffer it some time in their lives. Its exact prevalence is difficult to determine and varies with the population surveyed. Approximately 38% of community dwelling older women have significant incontinence. Approximately 5 to 10% of all US women, 13 million women, have clinically significant UI. In the Hormone and Estrogen Replacement Study (HERS), 56% of more than 2700 older women with heart disease reported at least weekly incontinence. The social and financial toll of UI is significant. The estimated yearly cost in the USA is $18.5 million. UI predisposes women to social isolation, depression, and dependency. It is a major risk factor to admissions to long-term health facilities and in long-term morbidity, including catheter use, urinary tract infections, pressure sores, immobility, and falls. In institutionalized women, UI is much more common. One-half of home bound and institutionalized elderly, and 25 to 30% of those women that leave the hospital are incontinent. In a population of women in residential care in the UK, 40% were incontinent.