title: Can we prevent incontinence? ICI-RS 2011.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A review of the current state of research with regard to prevention of incontinence.
  
  
  METHODS
  The search was limited to English language publications on the topic of incontinence prevention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incontinence is associated with a range of risk factors, most of which are modifiable. Lifestyle changes with behavioral modifications that can prevent urinary incontinence (UI) need to be adopted from an early phase of life. Pregnancy per se for the woman, independent of labor and delivery practice, is a risk factor for UI. The influence of estrogen is still under discussion as to its direct influence to UI. For both men and women, there is a correlation between pelvic-floor related surgery and UI and fecal incontinence (FI). With further improvement in surgical techniques, UI is often only a transient symptom for most patients. Psychological illnesses and their treatment can induce or worsen incontinence and therefore should be evaluated especially with other necessary co-medications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evidence would suggest that in some cases incontinence can be prevented. Although the evidence base for UI is greater than that for FI, the conditions share many similarities with respect to risk and treatment, suggesting that similar benefits may derive from population-based prevention strategies. With primary prevention, actions taken early, even in the absence of incontinence, may avoid or delay its onset. There is also evidence that some risk factors for incontinence are modifiable, although not type specific, and can be reduced through preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Karl-Dietrich
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Sievert
authors.forename: Bastian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Amend
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Toomey
authors.forename: Dudley
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Milsom
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koelbl
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Abrams
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cardozo
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wein
authors.forename: Ariana L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Diane K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*