A Woman's Guide to Urinary Incontinence

Consultant Physiotherapist Professor Grace Dorey reviews A Woman's Guide to Urinary Incontinence, by Rene Genadry and Jacek Mostwin

The authors, Rene Genadry MD and Jacek Mostwin MD D Phil, are to be congratulated for producing an extremely comprehensive book for women who suffer from urinary incontinence. It is the most detailed book I have seen which is written for women rather than medics.

I read the book right through and wondered how many other women would have the determination and understanding to finish it. It may be too detailed for the average reader, and in places could be worrying when discovering differential diagnoses. As a textbook for patients it would be very useful for reference purposes. It would also serve as a great introduction for medics who are commencing work in this speciality.

There are ten chapters, starting with an introduction on urinary incontinence and what can be done about it, followed by chapters on understanding the urinary system, types of incontinence, consulting a doctor and medical tests. Non-surgical options are detailed which include Kegel exercises, EMG and pressure biofeedback followed by surgical treatments, including a chapter on which treatment is right for you and a chapter on treatment complications.

The summar, titled Taking control of urinary incontinence, is followed by a clear glossary from 'Allograft' to 'Xenograft', and a list of resources providing the names and websites to gain further information, if you still feel this is necessary.

The professors have worked tirelessly to produce a clear and detailed book which will serve the needs of those women who have an intelligent curiosity about their condition, need to know their treatment options and are willing to become an informed partner in their medical care.

Grace Dorey