What your female patients want to know about bladder co...

What your female patients want to know about bladder control - Pamphlet

Women and their health professionals share one thing in common: a surprising number would rather not talk about urinary incontinence (UI). Patients may hope their doctors bring up the topic, while their doctors may hope their patients don't. All this silence can lead to more serious medical and psychosocial problems.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) cites studies indicating that one in four women ages 30 to 59 has experienced urinary incontinence. If this percentage stays constant, the number of cases will rise dramatically as the baby boomers age. Incontinence, which usually can be cured or improved, causes unnecessary social isolation, expense, and secondary medical conditions. AHCPR estimates that the annual costs for caring for people with UI are $11.2 billion in the community and $5.2 billion in nursing homes. Most of this money is spent on management measures, such as pads and diapers, rather than on treatment.

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases

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