Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine and is a common problem in women. It is unfortunately one of the "secret problems" that women do not talk about because it is embarrassing and many think that the problem cannot be solved. Fortunately, the vast majority of women with incontinence can be successfully treated and many, cured.

Research programs are underway at the California Institute for Continence at Tower Urology to find more effective treatments to correct urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) especially in women. These research programs have been formally approved by an institutional review board and follow strict guidelines as to how the research is performed.

The most common urinary tract problem that urologists see in their offices are women with frequency of urination and the severe urge to urinate, a non-ending feeling of a fullness of the bladder. Many of these women tell horror stories about having to go to the bathroom every 15 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour. Everyday. And many women say they do not even make it to the bathroom, causing not only embarrassing social moments, but psychological pain as well.

Urinary incontinence is certainly not a life-threatening situation. However, it certainly effects lifestyle in a dramatic manner. For many it means wearing damp undergarments, diapers, having skin irritation or diaper rash.