Uro Gynecology
URINARY INCONTINENCE: DEFINITIONS
You may experience urinary incontinence at some point in your lifetime.
There are different types of incontinence and various treatments. Make
an appointment with your physician to determine the best treatment options for you.
Stress Incontinence (SUI): The sudden, unintentional release of urine during daily activities such
as sneezing, coughing , lifting or exercising. It is caused by the weakening
of your pelvic floor, which can result from pregnancy and childbirth,
menopause, obesity or chronic straining.
Urge Incontinence: Described as a sudden and intense urge to urinate followed by a loss of
your urine. You may feel like you can’t get to the bathroom fast enough.
Overflow Incontinence: Occurs when your bladder doesn’t completely empty. It can be caused
by dysfunctional nerves or a blockage in your urethra.
Mixed Incontinence: Any combination of the above conditions.
URINARY INCONTINENCE: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Urodynamic Testing: Our office is equipped with a state of the art Luminex TS computerized
complex cystometrogram. Our physicians are trained in using the equipment
to study your bladder function and detect different types of incontinence.
TVT: A minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a mesh is placed vaginally
under the urethra to provide needed support. This surgery is for treatment
of stress incontinence. The success rate can reach 98%. Please refer to
pelvic healthsolutions.com for more information.
Burch Procedure: an open surgical procedure done through the abdomen to support your urethra.
It can be used in cases of failed vaginal procedures.
Behavioral/ Muscle Therapy: Kegel exercises can help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Also,
your physician may refer you for biofeedback or physical therapy, which
can involve electrical stimulation to help you gain control over bodily
functions. Changes in diet and lifestyle can also alleviate some symptoms.
PELVIC SUPPORT PROBLEMS
Your may experience pelvic prolapse as a result of childbearing or the
aging process. You may have little or no symptoms while other women may
experience a “bulge” in their vaginal area. This can cause
a feeling of heaviness, pelvic pain, voiding difficulties, or problems
with intercourse. Your diagnosis is usually made at the time of pelvic exam.
Uterine Prolapse: Uterine Prolapse is when your uterus drops into the vagina. Mild degrees
are common and do not always require treatment.
Cystocele: Cystocele is when your bladder drops from it’s normal place into
the vagina. Can be associated with voiding problems.
Rectocele: A condition where your rectum bulges into the vagina posteriorly. This
can be associated with difficulty emptying the rectum and constipation.
Vaginal Vault Prolapse: Vaginal Vault Prolapse is when the top of your vagina loses it’s
support and drops. This can occur after a hysterectomy.
TREATMENT
Pessary: A device ,which comes in all shapes and sizes, and can be inserted vaginally
to support the pelvic organs. These devices are fitted in the office and
you and your provider can decide if this would be an option for you.
SURGERY
Vaginal Hysterectomy: A procedure that can be used to treat your uterine prolapse. For more
information please see hysterectomy under surgical procedure section.
Anterior /Posterior Repair: A surgical procedure that is done vaginally and involves tightening the
vaginal tissues to support your bladder or rectum. It can be performed
with a mesh.
Sacrocolpoplexy: A procedure that helps to support your vaginal vault for prolapse after
a hysterectomy. It can be done vaginally, laparoscopic, or robot assisted.
Perineoplasty/Vaginal Rejuvenation/Vaginoplasty: Surgical procedures that restore your vulvar and vaginal tissues after
damage which can occur from childbirth or congenital anomalies.