Urinary incontinence may be temporary or permanent and can result from a variety of problems with the urinary tract. Urinary incontinence is divided into four groups, according to the malfunction involved: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence and functional incontinence.

As opposed to popular belief, incontinence is a common problem which currently affects an estimated 13 million Americans. This figuure, however, may significantly underestimate the problem, because most patients are reluctant to discuss incontinence with their doctors. In fact, research has shown that a number or patients will not even admit to having the problem when questioned.

Six out of every seven cases of incontinence occur in women, and between 15 percent and 30 percent of women experience incontinence during their lifetimes. About two-thirds of physicians never ask their older patients if they experience incontienence, although one-third of all those over 60 have this problem.

Treatments are now available, without surgury, that can help and in most cases completely eliminate incontinence. To learn more about non-invasive treatment for incontinence, call 770-460-1912 to schedule a consultation with Dr. G.D. Bell-Wade.

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