Bladder, Bowel Leakage, Incontinence
[ in-kon-tn-uhns ] Noun “anything coming out of any orifice not under your control will cripple your confidence and is just not sexy!”
~Dr. Terri-Ann Samuels
Urinary Incontinence Overview
The uncontrollable leakage of urine under any circumstance is called urinary incontinence. It is common in women of all ages, but that does not make it any less challenging. Dealing with this condition can take an extreme mental toll and often hurts your self-confidence.
Dr. Samuels understands the challenge presented by living with this condition. That is why she dedicated to provide the best and most personalized, treatment options for urinary incontinence in the Houston area. Her goal is for you to achieve the highest quality of life possible, and not to let leakage get in the way of living your life to its fullest. Dr. Samuels is the one of the best urogynecologist Houston has and is ready to help you take back control over your body.
Bladder Leakage
If you are experiencing bladder leakage, please know that you are not alone. Living with this condition can make you feel isolated or limited by your own body. And that is something we don’t want anyone to experience.
It is estimated that up to 70% of women in our community suffer from some form of urinary leakage. Fortunately, there are treatments available that may be able to help you. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Samuels works with you closely to find the cause of your symptoms. Then, she develops a personalized plan to treat them, designed to give you back control.
Different Types Of Urinary Incontinence
The first step in treating urinary incontinence is to understand which type you are dealing with. Once the type is identified, then we can get to work on a plan to address it.
Stress Incontinence: (Picture Cough And Leak)
Occurs when there is increased abdominal pressure pressure or weakness in the pelvic muscles/tissue. This usually happens during sneezing, coughing, laughing, standing, walking, and running. And even during sex in some women.
Urge Incontinence: (Gotta Go Leak Pic)
Urine leaks because of hyperactive nerves or muscles in the bladder. Your bladder takes over!
Mixed Incontinence:
A combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Overflow Incontinence:
Loss of urine due to the bladder not emptying all the way.
Symptoms Of Urinary Incontinence
Some patients may display only a single symptom, while others may have multiple. Your treatment plan will depend on which symptoms are present in your life.
• Urgency: A strong need to empty the bladder. If delayed, this may lead to episodes of leaking.
• Frequency: Urinating so often that it affects your quality of life
• Nocturia: Urinating two or more times at night
• Dysuria: Burning or irritation with urination
• Enuresis: Bladder emptying in bed
• Urinary retention: The inability to fully empty the bladder
Common Causes Of Urinary Incontinence:
Some causes may go away on their own. Others might require various treatments ranging from medication changes to surgical correction. During your consultation, Dr. Samuels will work to develop the best plan for treating your concerns.
Causes of urinary incontinence include:
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Medications
• Abnormal growths from the benign to the malignant, including stones, polyps, and tumors
• Lack of support in the pelvic floor
• Abnormalities in the urinary tract, such as a fistula
• Hyperactive muscles or nerves in the bladder
Treatment Options For Urinary Incontinence
To arrive at the most accurate diagnosis possible, Dr. Samuels will spend time taking a history and performing a physical. Each step will reveal just what treatments will prove most effective. It is not uncommon that testing may be necessary. Such tests may include:
• Urodynamics
• A urination diary
• Ultrasound
• Cystoscopy
Possible treatment ranges from lifestyle changes to pills or, in some cases, surgery. Which treatment will be right for you depends on three main factors. We look at:
• Your type of incontinence
• The cause of your incontinence
• The severity of your symptoms
Bladder Botox:
Botox is a prescription medicine that can be injected into the bladder wall to help relax the bladder. You have likely heard of it as a means for treating facial wrinkles. But it has another use! When applied by a trained expert, Botox helps to reduce urgency, frequency, and incontinence episodes. This procedure is done in the office and is relatively quick.
Interstim (Sacroneuromodulation):
The world’s first system that uses mild electrical pulses. With these pulses, Interstim stimulates the nerves that control the bladder and muscles related to urination. It helps the brain and nerves to communicate so the bladder can function properly.
It may be an option for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms or non-obstructive urinary retention. It can especially helpful to those who have had other treatments not work.
Treatment Options For Bowel Incontinence
Bowel Or Anal Leakage
The uncontrollable leakage of gas, liquid, or solid stool out of the anus is known as bowel or anal leakage. It usually occurs in women who have had childbirth injury, trauma, medications, or other illnesses. It is particularly difficult and isolating for women and can severely affect your quality of life.
Dr. Samuels will take a history, perform tests, and learn about the full extent of your symptoms. With this knowledge, she can make the best treatment recommendations for you. Treatment options range from behavioral changes to Interstim or surgery. It all depends on your individual needs.
