Incontinence....
- is defined as an unexpected and involuntary release of urine, feces or gas
- is more than just a medical condition affecting the person's emotional and social well-being
- is a common problem that is NOT a normal part of aging
- causes women to restrict social contact and activities
- is frequently under-diagnosed and under-reported because it is such a sensitive issue
13 million Americans suffer with the unexpected loss of urine and nearly 80% are women.
Incontinence, or the loss of bladder or bowel control, is not a disease but a symptom of other underlying disorders. Women have many misconceptions regarding incontinence.
Many believe it is part of being a woman, having children or a natural consequence of aging. In fact, women of all ages, whether they have borne children or not, experience incontinence.
What contributes to the incontinence?
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Pelvic injury or surgery
- Weakened sphincter muscles
- Neurological conditions
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- High impact physical activities
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Urinary or vaginal infections
- Smoking/chronic coughing
- Straining with the evacuation of stool
- Chronic constipation
Incontinence impacts a woman's self-esteem, affecting both her emotional well being as well as her independence. Unfortunately many women suffer in silence either because they are too embarrassed to discuss this issue with their physician or are fearful that surgery is the only treatment option. The good news is that many women with incontinence can be successfully treated using non-surgical techniques.
Aurora Health Care's Center for Continence & Pelvic Floor Disorders caring and sensitive staff will work with you and your health care provider to improve your quality of life. Our team includes:
- Urogynecologists
- Urologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Colorectal surgeons
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Therapists
We provide diagnosis and treatment for the following disorders:
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Chronic constipation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain disorders
- Painful voiding disorders
Initial evaluation consists of a thorough medical history and physical examination. Often you will be asked to maintain a voiding or evacuation diary that provides insights as to factors which may lead to your symptoms.
Depending upon your results, your physician may request additional testing. These tests may include radiology scans and x-rays or endoscopic procedures of the bladder and bowel. The physiologic functioning of these systems may also be evaluated using more specific urodynamic and anorectal testing techniques.
With the evaluation phase complete, your physician will begin discussion of treatment options. Treatment often involves the combination of dietary, medical, behavioral and/or surgical therapies.
Rehabilitation techniques which include neuromuscular re-education of the pelvic floor muscles reduce incontinence by approximately 70%. This treatment involves 1-on-1 sessions with a specially trained therapist who uses computer technology to assist patients as they improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that maintain bowel and bladder control.
Fortunately, recent advances in minimally invasive surgery shorten the inpatient hospital stay and provide earlier return to normal activities for many women.
