Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

It's a health-related subject we don't like to talk about, but it can have a big effect on your day-to-day life. This week on Health Watch, we'll talk about incontinence and other issues related to the bladder.

Incontinence costs billions annually and is one of the most chronic conditions in women. But Dr. Philippe Zimmern, a urologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says it's often a problem many sufferers won't even admit they have. There are two main types of incontinence. Stress incontinence is when urine leaks during laughter or sneezing. Urge incontinence is when you can't hold back until you reach a restroom. There are simple tests to diagnose the causes of incontinence. Treatments include strengthening pelvic floor muscles, medication and surgery.

Next: One possible cause for incontinence. 

###

August 2006

Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.