How Successful is InterStim in the Treatment of Urinary Urgency, Urgency Incontinence, Urinary Retention and Fecal Incontinence?
August 9, 2012
InterStim may be a good treatment of urinary urgency, urge urinary incontinence, urinary retention or fecal incontinence. Many of these symptoms are first treated conservatively with behavioral modification and medications. Sometimes, physical therapy is also employed. If symptoms are still intolerable, or if patients cannot tolerate the medications used, InterStim is considered. InterStim is a dynamic form of treatment which […]
New Medication Approved for Treatment of Overactive Bladder (OAB)
July 27, 2012
Myrbetriq (mirabegron) was approved by the FDA for symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) including urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency. Myrbetriq was studied for 10 years in more than 10,000 individuals before approval by the FDA on June 28, 2012. Antimuscarinics traditionally used to treat OAB work by binding to muscarinic receptors in the bladder, inhibiting involuntary bladder contractions. The […]
Prophylactic Midurethral Sling for Women Undergoing Prolapse Repair
July 9, 2012
Stress urinary incontinence may occur following surgical prolapse repair in women who did not have stress incontinence before surgery. When the prolapse is corrected during surgery, new mobility of the urethra may occur resulting in involuntary loss of urine with coughing, sneezing or exercise. The midurethral sling works to provide support to the urethra, preventing stress urinary incontinence. Your doctor […]
Kegel Exercises for Urinary Incontinence
June 29, 2012
Urinary incontinence may occur as a result of a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles provide support to the uterus, bladder and other pelvic organs. For some women, this involuntary loss of urine can be treated with pelvic floor muscle training. Training includes exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, similar to kegel exercises. Studies have shown women […]
Vesicovaginal Fistula
May 15, 2012
A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina that results in urine leakage into the vagina. Diagnosis is made by history and physical exam. Some patients with vesicovaginal fistula complain of large amounts of urine leakage through the vagina. In these patients, diagnosis could be made by physical exam alone. However, with small fistulas, diagnosis could […]
Community Support for Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders
May 10, 2012
While pelvic floor disorders (PFD) such as pelvic organ prolapse, bladder control and bowel control problems are not commonly talked about, many women experience these conditions. The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) is a physician-based organization founded in 1979 which offers an online community for women with PFD. You can join the conversation, ask physician experts questions and read about other […]
Midurethral Sling Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence
May 3, 2012
Is the mid-urethral sling operation done to repair urinary incontinence cost effective? It seems like everyone is talking about containing medical costs these days. So how about the mid-urethral sling we know it improves patients’ Quality of Life Index but is it cost effective? The answer is yes. Dr. Leslee Subaks clinical trial of 491 women who underwent either Burch […]
Urethral Caruncle
March 27, 2012
A urethral caruncle is a benign outgrowth at the urethral meatus (urethral opening). They occur most commonly in postmenopausal women. Urethral caruncles occur when the outermost part of the urethra everts or turns out. When the mucosa is circumferentially everted, meaning the growth encompasses the entire diameter of the urethra, rather than just a segment of the urethra, the lesion […]
Urethral Diverticulectomy
February 8, 2012
A urethral diverticulum is a saclike protrusion between the tissue surrounding the urethra and the anterior vaginal wall.
Most women diagnosed with urethral diverticulum are between the ages of 30 and 50. Causes of urethral diverticula include an obstructed gland that lies next to the urethra and urethral injury. Symptoms include painful urination, painful intercourse, dribbling after urination, recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence. Symptoms may also include bulging in the vagina. Evaluation consists of a physical […]
Bowel / Fecal Incontinence
January 28, 2012
Bowel (fecal) Incontinence is the impaired ability to delay the release of gas or stool. Its severity ranges from mild difficulty with gas control to severe loss of control over liquid and formed stools. Causes: Pelvic floor muscle damage: If the muscles that control bowel continence are damaged, fecal/bowel incontinence may result. These muscles include the anal sphincter and the […]