Role of general Obstetricians-Gynecologists in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in Thai woman

• Main Author: Suvit Bunyavejchevin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 2010-12-01
• Series: Thai Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Subjects: stress urinary incontinence; Thai woman
• Online Access: https://tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjog/article/download/1285/1033/

Nowadays, female urinary incontinence (FUI) is the common problem in Asia especially in Thailand. The incidence in Asia ranges from 4-17% and the incidence in Thailand is17%(1). Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common FUI (41%)(2). Report from Khon Kaen University Hospital demonstrated the high incidence of mixed type and stress urinary incontinence (94.38%)(3). Woman usually present with urinary leakage when they have any activity thatt increase the abdominal pressure including coughing, sneezing and exertion. The causes of stress urinary incontinence are due to the relaxation of the urethrovesical angle (Hypermobility) andfrom the defect in the urethral mucosa or urethral sphincter (Intrinsic sphincter defect). The urethra cannot close properly when having the pressure in bladder causing urine leakage. Before starting the treatment, it is important to differentiate the SUI from other causes of FUI such as overactive bladder (OAB) (causes urge incontinence) and overflow incontinence because the treatment are difference. The SUI is treated by pelvic floor exercise and surgery while the OAB is treated by anticholinergic drug and behavioral techniques. Inappropriate treatments cannot relieve the symptoms, cause complications and lead to legal problems. So, the precise diagnosis is very important.