Do you have trouble controlling when you urinate? Do you leak urine when you cough or sneeze? Do you suddenly need to go to the toilet so badly that you're not sure you're going to make it in time — and sometimes you don't? Does a fear of wetting yourself and smelling of urine keep you from activities?

The loss of bladder control — known as urinary incontinence — is an all too common, often embarrassing and frustrating problem for millions of people. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may count yourself among them.

Although common, urinary incontinence isn't necessarily a normal part of aging or, in women, an inevitable consequence of childbirth or changes after menopause. It's a medical condition that can have many different causes, some relatively simple and temporary and others more involved and long term.

If you're having trouble with incontinence, don't hesitate to see your doctor. In many situations, incontinence can be eliminated. Even if the condition can't be completely eliminated, modern products and ways of managing urinary incontinence can ease your discomfort and inconvenience.