Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder have long been hidden epidemics, particularly for women. An estimated 41 percent of women 65 and older have reported incontinence. Stigma prevents many from getting appropriate medical attention: A 1994 study found that even among those who admitted to interviewers that they’d had urinary incontinence in the past year, fewer than 40 percent discussed the problem with their doctor.

Mind Over Bladder is a workshop for women about bladder and bowel continence. Urogynecologists from the UCSF Women’s Continence Center will join with others to present practical information and treatment options for women concerned about urinary incontinence and problems of pelvic support (prolapse).

The workshop will be held at the UCSF Laurel Heights conference center from 9am –12 noon. This event is sponsored by the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health and the UCSF Women's Continence Center. The workshop fee is $ 20 and includes lunch and materials. For a reservation or for more information please call the UCSF Women's Health Resource Center at (415) 353-2668.

Media interested in stories about urinary incontinence or the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health should call Eve Harris at UCSF News Services, (415) 885-7277