Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
You’re not alone—Millions of people have an Overactive Bladder
Do you ever get the urgent sensations to urinate? Is it frequent, and do you sometimes have difficulty controlling your bladder function? Not only is it embarrassing for many individuals to need to excuse themselves from countless situations to use the restroom facilities, but also it can lead to more severe conditions like incontinence.
In the United States, approximately 35% of the population suffers from overactive bladder (OAB). Overactive bladder causes muscle contractions in your bladder even when your bladder isn’t full or ready to release urine. The symptoms of OAB are different all individuals. It can cause frequent urination, leaking, and incontinence. For individuals with incontinence issues, these changes are incredibly challenging to live with on a day-to-day basis. Our bladder functions are intricately detailed to detoxify our bodies, but when the area is overly stretched, damaged or diseased the detoxification methods become out of our control.
In normal bladder functioning, the bladder fills, and the nerves begin to send signals to the brain that it is full and the body naturally starts its process of releasing urination under your control through the urethra. With OAB, the signaling of the nerves does not communicate properly.
Causes of OAB
. Urinary Tract Infections
. Stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, medications)
. Diabetes
. Tumors
. Stones
. Neurological disorders
. Autoimmune diseases
. Prostate disorders
. Cancer
. Vaginal childbirth
. Incomplete bladder emptying
Interstim Procedure
Under fluoroscopy, the surgeon will guide the Interstim implant into the top of the tailbone area. Interstim is a tiny round implant the size of a small coin. The device is made up of electrical impulse connections that stimulate the sacral nerve. All of this is done very efficiently with minimally invasive techniques.
How does Interstim help with OAB?
The stimulation of the sacral nerve fibers causes a reaction in the spinal cord, which then regulates the pelvic or pudendal nerves to inhibit bladder activity.
It is well known that intermittent stimulation of specific nerves produces changes in the nervous system and with Interstim you will feel the results immediately. Under the skilled hands of a trained urologist, it’s incredibly easy to place the device and just as easy to remove or adjust it as needed.
OAB is treatable. You no longer need to accept the urgent need to urinate so frequently. Along with Urinary incontinence, Interstim also helps with fecal incontinence. To find out more about Interstim or other options for your OAB or incontinence issues, please contact the leaders in urology at Gulf Coast Urology today.
Gulf Coast Urology – A Division of 21st Century Oncology
Gulf Coast Urology is a fully integrated, breakthrough urological care facility. Their patients are able to visit their neighborhood physician and also obtain streamlined access to pathology, laboratory, radiation and imaging services. By having these services readily available, Gulf Coast Urology can more effectively manage their patient’s health care as a whole, while ensuring they receive the highest standard of quality. Their board-certified physicians and clinical staff are experts in the latest advances in urological care and are leaders in bringing new technology and treatment options to the community.
Gulf Coast Urology treats all urologic diseases and conditions, including enlargement of the prostate causing lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate cancer screenings and treatments, urinary incontinence, changes in voiding habits, overactive bladder, painful urination, excessive nighttime urination disrupting sleep cycle, urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, elevated PSA, kidney and bladder stones, sexual dysfunction including impotence, vasectomy and cancers of the kidney, bladder, ureter, testicles and more.
ANDREW WEITZEL, D.O. FACOS
Dr. Weitzel received his degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medi-
cine, completed his internship and general surgery residency in Michigan and his Urology
residency at University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. He is board certified and a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Dr. Weitzel has been proudly practicing in Port Charlotte, Florida since 2006.
Dr. Weitzel is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Fawcett Hospital, Englewood Hospital, and Bayfront Health Park (Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda). He is also affiliated with Gulf Point Surgery Center.
Dr. Weitzel’s areas of special interest are urologic oncology, kidney stone disease, prostatic hypertrophy, voiding dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Dr. Weitzel has been chosen for the Choice Awards yearly since 2009. He sees patients at both Port Charlotte and Englewood offices.
Gulf Coast Urology
21260 Olean Boulevard
Suite 202A
Port Charlotte FL 33952
941-625-1550
www.gcurology21c.com
