ACP Recommends Exercise, Training for Female Urinary Incontinence

the Renal and Urology News take:

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends Kegel exercises and bladder training for the treatment of female urinary incontinence (UI), according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

“Urinary incontinence is a common problem for women that is often underreported and underdiagnosed,” said David Fleming, MD, MA, FACP, current president of the ACP. “It is estimated that about half of the women with incontinence do not report it to their doctor.” He recommends non-drug treatments as much as possible for patients with UI.

The evidence-based guidelines recommend Kegel exercises for stress UI, bladder training for urgency UI, and a combination of both for cases of mixed UI.

In obese patients, additional weight loss and exercise is recommended.

“[These recommendations] have few side effects and are less expensive than medications,” Dr. Fleming stated. “Although various drugs can improve UI and provide complete continence, adverse effects often lead many patients to stop taking their medication.”

Common risk factors for UI include pregnancy, pelvic floor trauma, menopause, obesity, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).