Ladies, do you have bladder problems that keep you from pursuing your goals? Do you want to exercise, work, travel, go out more and not worry about “accidents” happening?
If so, we have the help you need.
At Advanced Urology Institute, we know that you value your social life and we want you to keep enjoying the things you like doing.
Through our female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) physicians at our Fort Myers office, we provide effective treatment for bladder issues in a compassionate, personalized, and multidisciplinary way, ensuring a high rate of success and uninterrupted social life.
You may not know it, but bladder problems have treatment options that dramatically improve symptoms from these conditions. With treatment, you will never have to reduce your physical activity or remain in isolation. Instead, regain your freedom and enjoy an improved quality of life. That is why you should see a physician with expertise in urogynecology to receive the specialized attention necessary for a quick and complete recovery.
What are the most common bladder issues?
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Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the inability to control your bladder. Anything as simple as a cough or sneeze can cause accidental urine leakage. The leakage can come suddenly and with a strong and uncontrollable urge.
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Urinary frequency
Urinary frequency is the need to urinate constantly, passing urine eight or more times per day or more than once per night. This condition can make you anxious when there is no nearby restroom and can considerably disrupt your activities.
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Urinary urgency
Urgency means you have instances when you suddenly have a strong, overwhelming need to pass urine. It may come with discomfort or pain in your bladder or urinary tract. When you have urinary urgency, you may not be able to get to the bathroom in time.
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Nocturia
If you have to wake up several times each night to pass urine, you may be suffering from nocturia. It can happen at any age but is more frequent in adults over 60. Nocturia may be due to the consumption of too much fluid or more complex reasons such as sleep disorders, diabetes, bladder obstruction, congestive heart failure, or a side effect of medication.
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Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract through your urethra and multiply within your bladder. The bacteria can exist in your bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. It is painful, irritating, and uncomfortable.
When left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, carrying health risks and consequences. UTIs are common, affecting one-in-three women by the age of 24 and more than half at some point in their lifetime.
You should see a urogynecologist when:
- You are embarrassed by urine leakage to the point of avoiding certain activities.
- You often have the urge to urinate but are unable to pass urine.
- You realize that your urine stream is getting progressively weaker.
- You feel that you are unable to empty your bladder well.
- You often feel the urgency to urinate and rush to the bathroom, but occasionally do not make it in time.
Why urogynecologist?
A female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) physician has expertise in problems that affect the pelvic floor, including the muscles, connective tissues, and nerves that support and control the bladder. They have a better understanding and experience in tackling symptoms of bladder conditions that may impact your quality of life.
Your urogynecologist will recommend treatment that relates to your specific complaint. You may be advised to make lifestyle modifications, manage your fluid intake, or engage in pelvic floor exercises.
You may also be given medications such as beta-3 agonists, beta-3 adrenergic receptor stimulators, tri-cyclic antidepressants, antimuscarinic (like tolterodine and oxybutynin), or botulinum toxin A (Botox).
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a pessary. The pessary is a soft plastic ring inserted into your vagina. It presses the vaginal wall and urethra and helps minimize leaking. Alternatively, you may use a tampon-like disposable device inserted into the vagina to push up against the urethra and reduce leakage.
Your doctor may also inject a bulking paste or gel near your urinary sphincter to make the area thick and close the bladder opening, hence reducing leaking.
Another option is electrical nerve stimulation, such as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and sacral nerve modulation. This procedure will change your bladder reflexes using pulses of electricity.
As a last resort, you may need to undergo surgery. Minimally-invasive surgical procedures such as slings and urethral bulking, which are same-day surgery, are very effective, safe, and require minimal recovery. This procedure involves the insertion of a strip of material into the tissue between your vagina and urethra to support the urethra or bladder and prevent leakage.
Precise, effective treatment
Are you regularly experiencing a strong and uncontrollable urge to pass urine? Do you find it difficult to reach the bathroom in time? Do these conditions severely affect your life? If so, you should see a urogynecologist.
At Advanced Urology Institute, our urogynecologists are specially trained in urology, gynecology and obstetrics, with extensive experience in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. You can be sure to receive treatment that will dramatically improve your quality of life.
- We offer non-surgical treatments such as Kegel exercises, bladder Botox injections, medication, and vaginal pessaries.
- We also offer surgery to rebuild pelvic floor support, repair anal and sphincter muscles, and create a mid-urethral sling to prevent urinary leakage.
- We provide precise, effective treatment that will help you regain your bladder control.
For more information on bladder control issues, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.