Increase of urinary incontinence in the aging population begs for proper diagnosis.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), primary care physicians are now seeing patients complaining of urinary incontinence as one of the most prevalent issues in their practices. This condition is expected to continue to grow right along with the aging and increasing population of baby-boomers. As a matter of fact this condition has become more prevalent than many more commonly discussed ailments such as diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. But the most concerning fact regarding patients suffering from urinary incontinence is that it is estimated that some 50% have never discussed their problem with their doctor.

The dramatic facts of this condition effecting such a large amount of individuals within the population screams for physicians and specialty doctors in urology and uro-gynecology to take notice. Urinary incontinence is an overall condition that can have numerous symptoms even though the general condition is the same.

Many urology and OBGYN clinics are also beginning to see the incidents of patients discussing urinary incontinence increasing within their practices. These physicians are leading the way to proper diagnosis by taking a thorough approach to the process, through urodynamic testing. We know that no doctor desires to have a patient endure an unnecessary surgery or wants to prescribe medication for an incorrect condition; therefore it is essential to determine the nature and cause of the incontinence.

Given the staggering figures surrounding urinary incontinence, there are two significant things that physicians should be doing:

1) Talk to patients – Doctors should be approaching this issue with their patients rather than waiting for the issue to be brought up by their patient. For many elderly patients, this issue can be overwhelming and a cause for great embarrassment. Having understanding and being proactive is not only sound advice, but a requirement.

2) Add Urodynamics – Since urodynamic testing provides thorough and detailed statistics of potential causes of urodynamics, physicians and clinics need to consider utilizing an experienced urodynamic testing service or making the investment in urodynamic equipment, supplies and most importantly staff training and skill.

With the rise of urinary incontinence becoming so prevalent, both patients and doctors share in the responsibility of a positive outcome. Patients need to feel comfortable to raise the issue with their doctors and physicians must create an environment where the discussion is proactive and the path to proper diagnosis and treatment is clear.

Additional statistics for Urology and Gynecology clinics to consider:

According to the National Association for Continence, Urinary incontinence is a very personal issue, which affects as many as 25 million Americans -- young and old, male and female.

Over 800,000 urodynamic tests are conducted annually in the US according to the centres for Medicare and Medicaid.