Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/823110
More an a Hpital 4 CRHEALTHCARE.ORG MANY WOMEN ASSUME UROLOGY IS A MEN'S SPECIALTY AND THEIR OWN UROLOGICAL PROBLEMS ARE JUST PART OF BEING A WOMAN OR AGING. Women tend to place others above themselves when caring for their families, and when this happens, they may ignore their own health issues, especially ones that may be difficult to talk about. "If you are experiencing discomfort due to poor bladder health, please know this is not something you have to live with," says David J. Lehr, MD, urologist for Carolina Urology Associates, a clinic affiliated with Columbus Regional Healthcare System. "It takes vulnerability to speak up, and we are here to help you put words to your own health story." PROBLEMS AHEAD Two common bladder concerns for women include prolapse—where the bladder drops into the wall of the vagina—and urinary incontinence. Women who undergo multiple births or a hysterectomy procedure are more likely to be diagnosed with prolapse, Dr. Lehr says. Common symptoms include: • Recurrent bladder infections • Pelvic pressure • Leaking urine or "accidents" Urinary incontinence results from weakened or inactive bladder muscles, often taking place after childbirth or menopause. Look for loss of urine control that shows up as: • Leakage after coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects • An urge to urinate without enough warning to find a bathroom • Problems with dribble caused by overflow Both of these issues can be diagnosed with a pelvic exam or urodynamics, an outpatient procedure that fills the bladder with water or saline. Your provider observes how the bladder handles pressure from this fluid and can use this information to diagnose an issue. TAKE-HOME TOOL KIT Biofeedback technology shows women their pelvic floor muscles' responses on a screen. This is the gold standard of care for mild pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence. "Using this screen as a model, I can teach women which muscles to contract while performing pelvic floor exercises to ultimately strengthen their bladder support," says Karen Hatch, FNP-C, Carolina Urology Associates. "What's exceptional about this is that patients have a noninvasive tool they can take home, practice and perfect over time, giving them back a sense of control." Other noninvasive treatments include medications and a vaginal insert called a pessary device (see sidebar below). Leakage keeping you at home? Make an appointment today with a urologist through the CRHS network. Visit www.crhealthcare.org/services/urology-services/ to get started. BLADDER CONDITIONS Don't Be Embaaed By Left to right: Ronald P. Glinski, MD, PHD; Susan Anderson, AGNP-C; Karen Hatch, FNP-C; David J. Lehr, MD Pessary Support A vaginal insert, the pessary device pushes up the bladder and holds it in place to help restore normal urine flow. Often shaped like a thin doughnut or ring, this device may decrease frequency and urgency. Placing the ring in the vagina is similar to inserting a tampon. Unlike a tampon, this device can be removed and cleaned, either by the patient or by a provider in the office.