AUA, Urology Care Foundation Applaud Introduction Of Resolution Supporting November As "National Bladder Health Month"

Millions of Americans suffer from a variety of bladder health conditions, including urinary incontinence, overactive and underactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infections, nocturia, bladder cancer, urotrauma and neurogenic bladder. These diseases impact health and quality of life, and result in significant health costs (estimated to be more than $70 billion per year). Medical and behavioral research to better understand and maintain bladder health and to treat bladder conditions is critically needed yet is neglected and underfunded compared to other health research.

"Tens of millions of Americans live with bladder conditions and diseases," Engel said. "These heavily stigmatized ailments have a major impact on both health and quality of life. They've been linked to depression, decreased physical activity, hospitalizations – the list goes on. It is vitally important that we discuss these serious conditions without shame, and that we invest in the research needed to better understand and treat the bladder conditions that plague so many Americans."

"Awareness is key when it comes to reducing the stigma of bladder conditions and empowering providers and patients to discuss bladder health," said Dr. Jim Ulchaker, chair of the AUA's Legislative Affairs Committee. "Rep. Engel's introduction of this resolution is a critical first step in this process."

"We look forward to working with lawmakers on this initiative."

For more information about bladder health or H. Res. 703, please contact the AUA Communications office by calling 410-689-3932 or sending email to [email protected].

Members of the Bladder Health Alliance: Alliance for Aging Research; American Geriatric Society's Health in Aging Foundation; American Urogynecologic Society; American Urological Association; Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support; Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network; Blue Thong Society; Chesapeake Urology Associates; HealthyWomen; Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health; Interstitial Cystitis Association; Men's Health Network; Multiple Sclerosis Association of America; Multiple Sclerosis Foundation; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Association for Continence; National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health; Simon Foundation for Continence; Society for Women's Health Research; Spina Bifida Association; SUFU - Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction; United Spinal Association; Urological Association of Physician Assistants; Urology Care Foundation; Veterans Health Council; Women's Health Foundation; and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN).

About the American Urological Association
Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 22,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

About the Urology Care Foundation
The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. We partner with physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, families and the public to support and improve the prevention, detection and treatment of urological diseases through research and education. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs visit: www.UrologyHealth.org.

Contact: Wendy Waldsachs Isett, AUA
410-689-3789, [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160210/332064LOGO
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160427/360748LOGO

SOURCE American Urological Association

Related Links

http://www.AUAnet.org