A lack of bladder control is often associated with the very young or the very old, but in fact, incontinence can affect anyone, at any age. Problems with bladder control are estimated to affect more than 25 million Americans every year, causing misery, embarrassment and emotional distress. Many incontinence sufferers see their bladder control problem as a personal failing, and are too embarrassed to seek out help. But a lack of bladder control usually stems from a medical problem.

 

The least invasive methods of bladder control are therapeutic. Therapeutic methods involve making changes in behavior patterns and performing bladder muscle-strengthening exercises. When incontinence does not respond to therapeutic bladder control methods, the next step is medical – using medications, hormones and minor medical procedures. Surgical methods are used only after all other bladder control methods fail or if the cause of incontinence can only be treated surgically.

 

This section is divided into multiple articles, covering topics such asbladder control exercises and medicines, with each listed in the menu to the top. To research additional incontinence or health topics visit the related articles listed to the left.