When it comes to urinary incontinence, you have many choices and treatment options, but you must be honest with yourself in order to finally get long-lasting medical help. If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, it’s time to see a specialist.
Yes or No:
• Do you often have an uncomfortable or uncontrollable urge to urinate?
• Do you have frequent urination during the day?
• When you get the urge to go, do you make it to the bathroom on time?
• Do you wake up to urinate on or more times per night?
• Does urine leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, exercise, or lift heavy objects?
• To help your symptoms, have you tried wearing pads or briefs, drinking less, doing Kegel exercises, rearranging your daily routine?
THE TRUTH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
#1 It’s important that you don’t just see someone claiming to be a pelvic floor specialist.
A modern subspecialty called Female Pelvic Medicine & Reproductive Surgery (a.k.a. Urogynecology) was developed to harness this knowledge to benefit women of all ages. A Urogynecologist has advanced training in treating these disorders that a gynecologist and a urologist may not have. A gynecologist specializes in the female reproductive system (vagina, uterus, and ovaries) and a urologist specializes in the urinary tract of both men and women. A urogynecologist blends the knowledge of a gynecologist and urologist to give women the best possible outcomes for disorders that affect these two closely integrated systems.
The Florida Bladder Institute, based in Naples Florida, is one of the country’s first urogynecology practices. Typically, a woman would have to see a gynecologist for one problem, a urologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Joseph Gauta explains, “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems.” He added, “This means a thorough evaluation is done of your urinary, lower gastrointestinal and reproductive systems as a whole to ensure you receive the best possible treatment and outcome in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.”
#2 It’s not cookie-cutter. Your treatment should depend on the type and severity of your disorder.
“Urinary incontinence” is a general term and symptoms can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. It can happen to anyone, but it becomes more common with age. There are many types of urinary incontinence, and sometimes a woman may have more than one of the following types:
• Stress
• OAB
• Urgency
• Mixed incontinence (i.e., stress and urgency can occur together)
Your treatment should be custom-tailored to the specific cause of your incontinence, your medical and surgical history, your overall health, age, and goals.
#3 It’s not always incontinence.
Sometimes there are other conditions that may feel like an incontinence problem or cause unusual pain. The Florida Bladder Institute is well-prepared to evaluate and treat related problems of the urinary system that may be causing your discomfort.
The Florida Bladder Institute can offer several options used in combination or individually depending on your needs. They may include medications, diet modification, bladder retraining and Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
#4 There are numerous incontinence treatment options.
The good news is that virtually all types of incontinence are treatable. The Florida Bladder Institute’s expert team is dedicated to helping you achieve the highest level of health and quality of life.
The clinical staff of the Florida Bladder Institute is well-versed and experienced in using a variety of techniques including medication, rehabilitation, minimally invasive surgical intervention, and lifestyle education to improve your overall health and help you regain control and reclaim your freedom.
The Florida Bladder Institute’s Innovative
Techniques and Treatment Options:
• Bladder Retraining
• Emsella (Kegel chair)
• Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation including Kegel Exercises, physical therapy and electrical stimulation
• Laser and Muscle Therapy
• Biofeedback
• Botox Bladder Injections
• Pessary Vaginal Device
• Injections including Botox and bulking procedures
• Outpatient Surgery
• Surgery for Organ Prolapse / Dropped Bladder Repair
• Axonics® Sacral Nerve Stimulation
At the Florida Bladder Institute, you will experience a thorough approach to the evaluation and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, bladder and lower urinary tract disorders, bowel and gas incontinence, bleeding, pelvic pain and menopause. Our compassionate and expertly trained team will guide you along the way using state-of-the-art technology in our comfortable and private setting.
Florida Bladder Institute
239-449-7979
www.FloridaBladderInstitute.com
Naples: 1890 SW Health Pkwy., Suite 205
info@floridabladderinstitute.com