Did you know that more than 13 million women in the United States have some type of urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control at some point in their lives? It can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and severe enough to interfere with activities like exercise, travel, or even social relationships.
The unintentional release or leakage of urine during sudden movements such as coughing, sneezing, laughing and exercising is referred to as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). Today there are safe and effective minimally invasive procedures that can help control this condition.
Dr. Roy Pazmino, a Tyrone based gynecologist said incontinence is a subject that some women find embarrassing to talk about.
“It is important for women to know that there is treatment to address the problem,” he said.
“SUI happens when the urethra, the tube from the bladder through which urine exits the body does not stay closed until its time to urinate,” said Dr. Pazmino. “One of the myths is that the condition is a normal part of the aging process. In reality, it can affect women at any age.”
Stress Urinary Incontinence is caused by a weakening of the pelvic floor, connective tissues, and muscle that can occur from pregnancy and childbirth, chronic heavy lifting or straining, menopause or estrogen deficiency, and/or obesity.
SUI can be diagnosed by talking to your doctor about your symptoms and a careful pelvic exam focused on your pelvic support. Your doctor may also order tests to evaluate bladder and urethral function.
Dr. Pazmino said SUI is very treatable at any age. There are exercises and noninvasive treatments that can help strengthen the pelvic muscles. Medications may also be helpful for some women.
There is also an outpatient procedure called TVT that may be appropriate for some women. Dr. Pazmino, who performs the procedure, said TVT involves insertion of a mesh like ribbon to provide support for the urethra.
“This allows the urethra to stay closed, when appropriate, preventing involuntary urine loss.”
The TVT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
For more information about treatment for stress urinary incontinence or the TVT procedure, call Dr. Pazmino at 684-4676.
How do you know if you have a problem with urinary incontinence?
If you answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, you may benefit from treatment for urinary incontinence. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to learn more about what type of treatment is appropriate for you.
1. Have you experienced unplanned, sudden urine leakage either while sleeping or during the day?
2. Do you experience leakage while laughing, sneezing, jumping, or performing other movements that put pressure on the bladder?
3. Do you frequently experience a sudden and immediate urge to urinate?
4. Have you noticed a change in your frequency of urination?
5. Do you visit the bathroom more than eight times in a 24-hour period?
6. Do you wake more than twice per night to use the toilet?
7. When planning a trip, outing or event, does the availability of restroom facilities affect your decision?
