Classification of Mixed Incontinence

In clinical practice, mixed incontinence is usually considered as the combination of “stress and urgency” incontinence. However, this definition overlooks differences between current definitions of symptomatic and urodynamic mixed incontinence. It also fails to consider the wide variations in the relative importance of the stress and urgency components of mixed incontinence that different patients experience and how bothersome these are. Clearer terminology and definitions will be important in clarifying diagnosis and improving patient management. Effective history-taking, careful physical examination, and urinalysis form the basis of differentiating between mixed and other forms of incontinence and in determining appropriate treatment, which is usually performed in a primary care setting. However, for more complex cases, coordinated patient management between community practitioners and their secondary care colleagues may be necessary.