From an expert—clear, frank, and sympathetic advice on dealing with urinary tract disorders…

In this concise, clearly written, and sympathetic new book, Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler suggests that a new approach to female urinary track disorders is long overdue. One of the surprisingly small number of women practicing urology in the U.S., she explains what these diseases are and what patients can do to get properly diagnosed and appropriately treated. In addition, Dr. Kavaler extends compassionate, expert, and helpful advice to those who have been distressed, embarrassed, and isolated for too long.

In the course of a lifetime, more than half of all women will experience some form of debilitating urinary tract disease or discomfort, including chronic urinary tract infections, various kinds of incontinence, pelvic floor prolapse, or pelvic pain. Until recently, there has been scant attention paid to this very common group of pelvic disorders—a surprising fact, considering the number of adult women of all ages who suffer needlessly from these conditions.

For too long, many patients have been reluctant to talk about their symptoms. Even when they do raise the subject, many women find that the doctor dismisses pelvic discomfort as an inevitable consequence of the aging process.

Written for the lay reader, with simple diagrams, “A Seat on the Aisle, Please!” begins with an explanation of the normal anatomy of the female urinary tract before addressing the four areas of urinary tract disorders experienced by women. The book then goes on to offer guidelines on selecting a doctor, and advice on choosing anesthesia and pain medications should surgery be necessary.

This timely and important book will help bring these under-recognized but common conditions into the public forum, ease embarrassment, arm sufferers with vital information about these conditions, and reassure women that, in many cases, effective and non-invasive treatments are available.