Control of micturition is a complex physiological and anatomical process which often fails in women. The sequelae of urinary incontinence in women range from inconvenience to social and psychological stigmatization. Surprisingly, many women are tolerant of often quite severe sequelae, despite a range of management techniques that exist to alleviate or cure incontinence. Some of the more successful techniques are well suited to general practice management and can be carried out by the patient under the supervision of her doctor, district nurse, practice nurse or midwife. This paper reviews the physiology of micturition, stress urinary incontinence and incontinence caused by detrusor instability, and the management techniques available to alleviate or cure the problem.