Guidelines for controlling urinary incontinence without drugs or catheters.

Catheterization of the elderly incontinent patient is frequently unnecessary. It is also often unsuccessful, as most patients have unstable bladders and therefore leakage continues around the tube. Simple measures, like toileting regimens and restricting fluids in the evening, are often effective alone. Incontinence garments restore a patient's self-respect, reduce laundering and should be used more frequently whilst other methods, such as drugs, are being tried.