Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence affects well over 13 million adult women in the United States. It is estimated to affect 30-40% of American women during their lifetime. Despite its prevalence and estimated costs in excess of $19.5 billion annually, up to 70% of women do not seek help for incontinence, primarily because of social embarrassment or because they are unaware that help is available. Because of increasing awareness by both patients and physicians, the societal concept that incontinence is part of the "normal" aging process is no longer acceptable. Advances in modern medicine during the last 80 years have increased the life expectancy of women well into the eighth and ninth decades. We are caring for patients longer and better than ever, effectively managing chronic medical problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, enabling women to enjoy longer and more productive lives. This results in a large population of women living up to one-third of their life after menopause, thereby introducing a whole host of medical issues and health concerns. A prime example of this is the problem of urinary incontinence, which has become more prevalent as the population of aging women grows.
Comments (3)
ahhh .... men of science .....
Thanks Doc, I really enjoy ur articles and look forward to reading new ones everyday.