Patient decision guides

These guides have been produced to support informed decision making about managing stress urinary incontinence.

They replace the previous Ministry of Health document: Considering surgical mesh to treat stress urinary incontinence.

As part of the consent process, patients should be fully informed of treatment options, the possible benefits and risks of complications, and any alternative treatment options (both surgical and non-surgical).

Both guides were developed with health care professionals and independent consumers, some of whom have lived experience of stress urinary incontinence. 

• The non-surgical guide defines, and highlights management options for urinary incontinence.
• The surgical guide outlines in greater detail surgical options for managing stress urinary incontinence, and provides information for consumers, which should then be discussed with health care providers.  It includes prompts for patients to consider their treatment priorities, outline concerns, a section of questions for consideration, and a decision-making tool.

It is recommended all consumers considering treatment for stress urinary incontinence are provided copies or links to these resources.