Stress urinary incontinence: prevention, management, and provider education.

The costs of urinary incontinence (UI) are financially and socially substantial to those who are living with its effects. When looking at the dramatic costs associated with UI and associated pelvic floor disorders, prevention of these disorders or management at the earliest possible level is indicated. Determining which modifiable factors cause UI and pelvic floor disorders is complicated. Listening to patients in an effort to improve their quality of life may be a reasonable starting point. Educating future health care providers to approach these topics with sensitivity will positively impact the care patients receive.