Millions of women experience difficulties controlling their bladders but suffer in silence, reluctant to speak to their doctors -- or even to their best friends -- about the problem. Here, at last, women will find the most up-to-date medical explanations and state-of-the-art solutions, including:

Controversial links between current childbirthing practices -- like episiotomy, the use of forceps, and long labor -- and the development of incontinence later in life.

Advanced diagnostic tests that enable women to quickly find the most effective treatment.

Nonsurgical treatments: pelvic muscle exercises and oral medications that really work.

Surgical options featuring new minimally invasive outpatient procedures.