Practice nurses need to find out about all the different types of urinary incontinence and how they can be treated, before they can offer help to patients showing symptoms, writes Alison BardsleyUrinary incontinence is a common problem that is often under-reported due to the embarrassing nature and social stigma attached. Urinary incontinence can have a considerable effect on an individual's quality of life, but can be significantly improved with correct assessment, treatment and management. Conservative treatment options, including pelvic floor exercises, bladder retraining and fluid modification, are recommended before referral to secondary services. This article provides an overview of the main types of urinary incontinence, and summarises recent guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis and effective conservative treatment options for them, and when a referral to specialist care is required.