Urinary incontinence or the involuntary loss of
urine is a very common problem facing the
elderly population. It is often considered a
normal part of ageing and seldom mentioned
by patients, especially women, who perceive it
to be very embarrassing. Affected persons may
isolate themselves from society leading to social
anxiety and emotional problems such as
depression. Urinary incontinence can also lead
to medical problems such as local skin irritation,
rashes, and urinary infections. In the debilitated
and bed bound patients it can lead to pressure
ulcers which can increase the risk of localised
and systemic infections including osteomyelitis
and sepsis. Therefore it is important for
physicians to understand the mechanisms of
urinary incontinence in the elderly and learn
about their management.