Cause:Estrogen deficiency effect on urethral mucosa; or pelvic relaxation after childbirth or urologic surgery; neuropathies; -blocking meds
Pathophys:Sphincter insufficiency
Rx:Kegel exercises, 3 sets of 7-sec contractons qid (Jags 1983;31:476); wgt loss of 15-20 lb decr incontinence × 50% (Nejm 2009;360:481); pessaries (Am Fam Phys 2000;61:2723); surgery (suburethral sling or open retropubic culposuspension) (Nejm 2010;362:2066, 2124; 207;356:2143) but postop outlet obstruction and incontinence (Jags 2007;55:1927). Estrogen vaginally no help by DBCT (Jama 2005;293:935)
of neuropathic types, imipramine 25+ mg hs (-stimulation, parasympathetic inhibition); or biofeedback (Ann IM 1985;103:507)/behavioral therapy (Jama 2003;290:345)