Urinary incontinence in the childbearing woman.

Urinary Incontinence (UI) is an often under-reported and untreated medical condition that affects the lives of women of all ages and backgrounds. Although there are six major types of UI, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the type most often associated with women of childbearing age. Development of SUI has also been linked to the childbirth process itself. This article will discuss the types, characteristics, and diagnosis of UI, with a focus on SUI. Precipitating factors for SUI, including the influence of pregnancy, childbirth, and aging on its development, will be reviewed.