Linthicum, MD, November 1, 2016- The Urology Care Foundation and the American Urological Association (AUA), together with the Bladder Health Alliance - a coalition of groups representing physicians, patients and veterans - are drawing on the month of November as a vital reminder to get the facts about common bladder health problems and to encourage the public to take an active role in managing their bladder health.

Each day, millions of Americans struggle with the impacts of bladder conditions and diseases such as urinary incontinence, overactive and underactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infections, nocturia, bladder cancer, urotrauma and neurogenic bladder. These can impact an individual's health, quality of life, and result in significant health costs (estimated to be more than $70 billion per year).

"Bladder Health Month is a great time to focus on connecting, educating and empowering individuals to take control of their bladder health," said Richard A. Memo, MD, chair of the Urology Care Foundation. "Most Americans are still not yet talking to their healthcare provider about their bladder health symptoms because they are too embarrassed, but several bladder conditions can be treated through simple lifestyle changes, behavior modifications or diet and exercise."

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the sponsor of this National Health Observance, the Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation and aims to support and improve the prevention, detection and treatment of urologic diseases through research and education.

Utilizing the following weekly themes, the Foundation, AUA and organizations within the Bladder Health Alliance will work together to connect, educate and inspire women and men across the country to get the facts, get diagnosed and take control of their Bladder Health:

November 1-5 | Incontinence, Overactive/Underactive Bladder and Stress Urinary Incontinence

November 6 -12 | Nocturia & Bedwetting

November 13-19 | Bladder Cancer

November 20-26 | Bladder Infection/Urinary Tract Infections

November 27-30 | Interstitial Cystitis & Neurogenic Bladder

"Awareness is critical when it comes to reducing the stigma associated with incontinence and other bladder health conditions and symptoms," said Kathleen Kobashi, MD, FACS, Foundation spokesperson and head of the Section of Urology and Renal Transplantation at Virginia Mason Medical Center. "The work the Foundation, AUA and the Bladder Health Alliance partners are doing to empower a provider and a patient to have these important conversations during the month of November, and throughout the year, is a vital first step."

Bladder Health Month begins Tuesday, November 1. The Urology Care Foundation will utilize a newly launched web page,in addition to its Twitter (hashtag #NovBHealth) and Facebook platforms to disseminate this information for public use and dialogue.

Astellas Pharma US, Inc. is a proud supporter of Bladder Health Month.

For more information about bladder health, please contact the AUA Communications office by calling 410-689-3932 or sending email to communications@AUAnet.org.

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.

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. For more information visit: www.AUAnet.org.

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 the Bladder Extrophy Community, Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support, Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, Blue Thong Society, Chesapeake Urology Associates, HealthyWomen, International 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).

Contact:
Christine Frey, AUA
410-689-3731
Cfrey@auanet.org