6 TexasHealthMansfield.org If you’re struggling with a bladder control problem, you’re likely familiar with how the condition can get between you and the activities you enjoy. Urinary incontinence causes urine to leak accidentally, such as when you cough, laugh or sneeze (stress incontinence). Or it can be a sudden urge that causes you to leak before you reach a toilet (overactive bladder). “While it’s common, it’s not normal to have incontinence,” says Obstetrician-Gynecologist Christiaan Webb, M.D. “It should always be evaluated, especially if you’re worried about going out with your friends or you’re worried you can’t sit through a movie at the theater or laugh without leaking.” Another struggle for many women? Pelvic organ prolapse. This is when organs in your pelvis drop out of their normal place. Signs and symptoms may include pelvic pressure or fullness, painful sex, or a bulge of tissue or organs near the vagina. One cause of both incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse can be weakened pelvic floor muscles—for instance, after childbirth or surgery. The good news? Pelvic floor disorders (also called urogynecology conditions) like these are treatable. Solutions Dr. Webb helps women find solutions to these problems. That starts with a careful evaluation and possibly diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the problem and rule out issues like urinary tract infections. The treatment for a pelvic floor disorder depends on the problem, its severity and other factors. For urinary incontinence. Along with lifestyle changes, treatment options may include: ● Bladder training. You urinate on a set schedule to gradually help you control your bladder. ● Special exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. ● Medications for urge incontinence. ● Injections of a bulking agent to thicken the urethra and help control leakage. ● A surgical sling procedure to treat stress incontinence. For pelvic organ prolapse. If nonsurgical options don’t help, your doctor may recommend surgery. One option Dr. Webb performs is robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy to put the prolapsing pelvic organs back into their place. There is no need to feel embarrassed to talk about your symptoms. Experts are here to help you feel like yourself again. “Sometimes it’s as simple as a nonsurgical correction, and your life changes completely,” Dr. Webb says. Help for urogynecology issues Regain control Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Webb to schedule an appointment.
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