Many people suffer from urinary incontinence - the involuntary loss of urine. Often ashamed, they hide behind a shroud of secrecy. They believe the myth that urinary incontinence is a result of normal aging or childbirth - that loss of bladder control is inevitable and irreversible. The truth is, in most cases, urinary incontinence is treatable.

People of all ages can lose control of their bladder. One in five older men and about one-half of all women will experience urinary incontinence in their lifetime.

We're here to help.

The Tower Urology Institute for Continence specializes in bladder control problems. Our dedicated physicians are highly qualified experts with years of specialized training and practical experience in incontinence therapy. They are skilled at finding the causes of urinary incontinence - and, in most cases, the cure.

Leading urologist opens the door to solutions.

The Tower Urology Institute of Continence was founded by Dr. Gary Leach, an internationally recognized authority in incontinence, female urology and bladder nerve problems.

What is urinary incontinence?

People with urinary incontinence are unable to stop the involuntary flow of urine. Loss of bladder control or urine leakage are common ways to describe urinary incontinence. Any of the following symptoms are signals of urinary incontinence:

• Coughing, sneezing, straining or lifting triggers the involuntary leakage of small amounts of urine. This is stress incontinence.
• A sudden, urgent and uncontrollable need to empty the bladder before you can safely reach a toilet. This is urge incontinence.
• When the bladder is full, small but uncontrollable leaks of urine spill out. This is overflow incontinence.
• You may feel some or all of the above symptoms of loss of bladder control. This is mixed incontinence.
• About 10% of children over 5 years of age and 1% of young adults over 16 years of age involuntarily wet their beds overnight. Known as bed-wetting. This is enuresis (n-your-ee-sis).

Why Wait?

Most people with urinary incontinence wait over a year to talk to a doctor. They shut themselves off from social and recreational activities...needlessly.

Have you delayed for any of these reasons?

Nothing is wrong.

It's easy to ignore the loss of a few drops of urine every time you laugh. But as the problem worsens, it can be difficult to admit what's happening - for whatever reason.

Do you limit your social activities? Has your lifestyle changed? You are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from urinary incontinence, but many are ashamed or afraid to admit it. Yet, if you overcome this personal barrier, effective treatment can open the door to a whole new life.

You just don't talk about it.

Not even to a doctor? your attitude about incontinence may delay the diagnosis of a treatable medical condition. As a trained professional, Dr. Leach and his staff can help you to find a solution to urinary incontinence.

I'm just too old.

Would you rather spend the rest of your life with urinary incontinence - no matter how long you live - or would you rather try to find a solution? The choice is yours.

Urinary Incontinence is not natural or inevitable. Although more common in older people, it isn't caused by aging. Most older Americans stay dry.

As we grow older, some physical changes are more likely to affect bladder control. But, in many cases, urinary incontinence is treatable - no matter how old you are.

Because I've had children, it's just natural.

During pregnancy, the weight of a developing child pushes on pelvic muscles. At childbirth these stressed tissues may stretch or tear. Muscles that support the bladder and control urine flow may be damaged.

Yet, many women who lost their bladder control after childbirth are dry today. Urinary incontinence is childbearing women is treatable.

Urinary Incontinence is Treatable!

Admit to yourself that you may have a problem. Hoping that loss of bladder control will just go away when it's really getting worse may delay a diagnosis that can revitalize your life.

Contact The Tower Urology Institute for Continence if:

• Loss of bladder control hampers social activity or causes embarrassment.
• You need to rush to urinate but don't arrive in time.
• You feel pain during urination or when your bladder is full.
• You're unable to urinate after an operation.
• You need to urinate more often but don't have a bladder infection.
• You have frequent bladder infections.
• Urine leakage began after an operation.
• Your bladder isn't completely empty after urination.
• The urinary stream is getting weaker.
• Disorders, such as stroke, spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, cause abnormal urination.

There is hope for solutions.

The Tower Urology Institute for Continence.

Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence in women and men. In our caring, comfortable environment, we can help you to find successful solutions to cure or manage the loss of bladder control.

Is one of the few centers in the country that is fully equipped to perform a complete range of physical and psychological tests to pinpoint the cause of bladder control problems, even in difficult-to-detect cases.

Conducts all diagnostic tests in a comfortable, private and respectful atmosphere. Computerized monitoring devices measure bladder pressure, urinary flow and sphincter muscle strength.

Uses state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to develop personal treatment plans, even for persistent and hard-to-treat problems.

Takes the time to fully explain our findings to you and your family. We can find the right solution that works for you - whether you need dietary or exercise therapy, drug treatment, behavioral modification, computer-assisted biofeedback, bladder retraining, collagen implants or surgery.

Continues to care by putting you in touch with local support groups and educational information. We believe in the importance of regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress.

Has a supportive team of highly skilled nurses who are specially trained in the techniques of urodynamic analysis, biofeedback, self-catheterization, patient education and more.

Has a direct telephone line for patient inquiries. Our center coordinator will address your concerns and direct you to our dynamic healthcare team.

"I was at a dinner party - mercifully among friends. My hostess said to forget about it, but I never will. The very next day, I called the Tower Institute for Continence. Right away, I felt better. They told me that most people with incontinence problems -70%- can be helped."

"Dr. Leach and his staff identified the source of my problem and recommended a treatment program especially for me. Now, instead of worrying about my next accident, I have real hope there will be no more embarrassing moments. If you suffer from incontinence - for any reason - don't wait any longer. Call the institute, or send for more information."

Robin N. Pasadena:

Tower Urology Institute for Continence:

A caring, comfortable environment, offering a complete range of diagnostic and treatment options. Let us help you regain your control...and your confidence. If you would like a free informational pamphlet, please call 1-888-248-6937 or write to the address below.

Tower Urology Institute for Continence Gary E. Leach, Director Suite 915 East, 8631 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048.