Reps. Carter, Lieu, Menendez, McCormick, Dunn Introduce First-Ever Bladder Health Awareness Month Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressmen Ted Lieu (D-CA), Congressman Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Congressman Dr. Neal Dunn (R-FL) announced the introduction of the first-ever National Bladder Health Awareness Month Resolution with Congressmembers Carol Miller (R-WV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), and Kevin Mullin (D-CA) cosponsoring. The Bladder Health Awareness Month Resolution would support the recognition of November as Bladder Health Awareness Month and encourage efforts to increase public education, reduce stigma, and improve access to care.

"Bladder Health Awareness Month isn't just about improving personal outcomes - it's about encouraging preventative care, making informed decisions, and prioritizing bladder health in a way that protects not just individuals but the Americans in their network," said Congressman Carter. "Too many Americans skip checkups, stay silent about symptoms, and lose precious years of their lives because of stigma or lack of access to care. The Bladder Health Awareness Month Resolution certifies bladder health as an integral part of overall health and wellbeing and works to increase public education, reduce stigma, and provide millions of Americans with the care they deserve."

"As a physician, I know firsthand that bladder health is an integral part of overall health and quality of life. Yet millions of Americans suffer in silence because of stigma, embarrassment, or a lack of awareness about available treatments. No one should have to wait years to seek care for a condition that affects their daily life. I am proud to join Congressman Carter in recognizing November as Bladder Health Awareness Month and helping ensure patients have the information, resources, and confidence to seek the care they deserve," said Congressman Rich McCormick, M.D. (GA-07).

"Millions of Americans struggle with bladder conditions and diseases that can significantly impact their health and quality of life," said Congressman Lieu. "It's important that we raise awareness of these conditions to encourage individuals to recognize symptoms and have informed conversations with their health care providers. I'm pleased to support this resolution to empower people to make the best decisions for their health."

"Breaking the silence around bladder health can help save lives," said Congressman Rob Menendez. "Recognizing November as Bladder Health Awareness Month helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage Americans to talk with their health care providers about symptoms and concerns. By making these conversations easier, we can help more people get the care they need sooner."

"As a physician and urologist, I have seen firsthand the importance of bladder health to an individual's overall health and quality of life," said Congressman Dunn. "I am proud to join my colleagues in raising awareness about this important issue and encouraging Americans to take a proactive approach to their health."

"The Men's Health Network is deeply grateful to Representatives Carter and McCormick along with the other leaders of the Congressional Men's Health Caucus for their recognition of Bladder Health Awareness Month. While bladder concerns are most often thought of as pelvic floor issues among women, there is less awareness of the millions of men who suffer from bladder issues including overactive bladder, incontinence, bladder cancer, prostatic enlargement, and side effects of prostate cancer treatment. Bladder Health Awareness Month is a critical component of the effort to improve awareness and treatment of these conditions," said Ronald Henry, President of the Men's Health Network.

Background

The Bladder Health Awareness Month Resolution would support the recognition of November as Bladder Health Awareness Month and encourage efforts to increase public education, reduce stigma, and improve access to care. The resolution also encourages the Department of Health and Human Services to disseminate information about bladder health, support partnerships with nonprofit organizations, consumer groups, academic institutions, and public-private initiatives, promote evidence-based education and training for health care professionals, and encourage individuals to speak openly about bladder health and seek appropriate medical care.

Millions of Americans live with bladder health conditions that can significantly affect their health, well-being and quality of life. Bladder control problems, including overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, affect an estimated 43 million, or 1 in 6, U.S. adults of all ages. These conditions can disrupt sleep, reduce work productivity, contribute to social withdrawal and mental health challenges, and increase the risk of falls, fractures, urinary tract infections, and skin breakdown.

Despite their prevalence, bladder health conditions often go untreated due to stigma, lack of awareness, and misdiagnosis. Increasing public awareness and education can help individuals recognize symptoms, understand available treatment options, and seek care earlier. Improving access to reliable information, strengthening provider education, and encouraging open conversations about bladder health can help reduce barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

The need for greater awareness is significant. Research indicates that the average time between symptom onset and initiation of treatment is approximately seven years, and only 1 in 3 patients ever seek treatment. The total national cost of overactive bladder is estimated to exceed $80 billion, including direct health care costs and lost productivity.

As millions of Americans continue to experience bladder health conditions, the Bladder Health Awareness Month Resolution offers a practical approach to increase awareness and encourage earlier access to care.

The Bladder Health Awareness Month Resolution is endorsed by: American Urological Association, American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), National Association For Continence (NAFC), Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support (APOPS), Women's Health Advocates, Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), Men's Health Network, Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), Society of Urodynamics, and Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU).

Read the full bill text here.

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