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Dry Is Better

Urology provider Angela Seeds, PA-C knows that incontinence issues can be bothersome. If you or someone you know is plagued by bladder problems, there is help!

By Angela Seeds, PA-C, GRH Urology Clinic

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (a term meaning to leak urine without control) in the United States is difficult to pinpoint. Many people who suffer incontinence do not seek treatment. They mistakenly feel that the condition is a normal part of aging and just has to be tolerated. It is estimated that more than 13 million people in the United States suffer from urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is a very costly condition, not only financially, but also socially and emotionally. The cost of continence products such as adult diapers, can be very high. The cost of incontinence in the United States is estimated at more than $16 billion dollars per year. It can also be very bothersome socially and emotionally, as people tend to limit their activities, especially ones that take them away from a nearby bathroom.

There are several forms of incontinence. The two most common are stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence is leaking of urine from increased abdominal pressure, such as when one laughs, sneezes, coughs, picks up something heavy, or runs. Urge incontinence is leaking of urine with an urgency, meaning not being able to make it to the bathroom in time. There is a lesser form of urge incontinence called overactive bladder. This consists of frequent and sudden urges to urinate.

There are treatments that can help with all of these problems. It is estimated that 80% of incontinence can be improved greatly with treatment, yet only 40% of incontinent people seek help. This may be because of embarrassment or simply because they do not realize there are treatments that can help. Medications that lower the urgency to urinate can be very helpful for urge incontinence and overactive bladder. Physical therapy is effective for both urge and stress incontinence. Sometimes, surgery is required for stress incontinence.

The bottom line is, if you, or someone you know, is plagued by bladder problems, there is help for you. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor to find a therapy that is right for you.

Angela Seeds, PA-C, is a provider at the GRH Urology Clinic, 710 Sunset Drive, Suite F, La Grande.