The different types of urinary incontinence in the female are defined and described. A meticulous differential diagnosis is a prerequisite for adequate treatment. The pre-treatment examination includes a detailed history, a residual urine, a gynaecological examination, a neurological examination, an intraveinous pyelogram, the incontinence test, the Bonney and the Bethoux tests, and a urethro-cystoscopy. In difficult cases urodynamic tests and X-rays of the bladder and the pelvic organs are added to the workup. Among 54 patients with urinary incontinence, 31 had stress incontinence and 23 had incontinence of another cause such as detrusor instability or a urethral syndrome.