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ORVALLIS - A new publication about urinary incontinence is available from the Oregon State University Extension Service.

"Urinary Incontinence in Adults, A Patient's Guide" is intended to help older adults and their families in making health care decisions. It is available in both English and Spanish versions.

According to the publication, many people lose urine unintentionally. When it occurs often enough to be a problem, it is called urinary incontinence. The condition is not a natural part of growing old. And in most cases, it can be successfully treated and reversed.

Some types of urinary incontinence are temporary and others are permanent. The publication describes the different types of urinary incontinence and the tests used by doctors to diagnose them.

The condition can be treated by bladder training, pelvic muscle exercises, medication and surgery. The risks and benefits of each are explained.

Copies of "Urinary Incontinence in Adults, A Patient's Guide," EM 8637, and 'La incontinencia urinaria en los adultos (falta de control de orinia), Guia para el paciente," EM 8638, are available by mail for 50 cents each from Publication Orders, Extension and Experiment Station Communications, OSU, 422 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, OR 97331-2119. Make checks payable to OSU Extension Service.

The publication was produced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The OSU Extension Service is distributing it in cooperation with the Oregon Geriatric Education Center Consortium.