Demographics

UI is a very common symptom, the prevalence ofthis condition varies between 7% and 55%, with SUI being the most common (40-55%) followed by MUI (25-40%) and UUI (about 10%) (3). 'The incidence of UI increases with age demonstrating a bimodal distribution with a peak in young women (largely SUI) and postmenopausally around age 70 (MUI and UUI predominate). Racial differences have been noted with UI being commonest in white women and least common in Asian women with an intermediate prevalence in black women. It is not unusual to find a positive family history of UI in the mother or sister(s) (10).

Figure 57.2 Physiological mechanism and basis for pharmacotherapeutics.