FAMILY HEALTH
Doctor's Orders Kevin Nasseri, M.D., urologist at Cotton-O’Neil Clinic, 823 S.W. Mulvane St., Topeka, is board certified in urology. He specializes in adult general urology with clinical interests in kidney stone disease, disorders of the prostate and urologic cancers. He is available for patient consultations at (785) 270-4355.
Q:
What causes urinary incontinence and how is it treated?
Dr. Nasseri:
Kevin Nasseri, M.D., Cotton-O'Neil Urology, 823 Mulvane, Topeka
Stormont-Vail Rehabilitation Services is now offering continence therapy using state-of-the-art technology to help patients’ strengthen the urinary and pelvic floor area. This unique therapy is located at Stormont-Vail Rehabilitation Services located at Fleming Place in Topeka. To learn more about this new therapy, speak with your physician, urologist or call (785) 354-6116.
It is estimated that more than 15 million American adults suffer from accidental loss of urine control. Urinary incontinence is not only a medical condition, but it also impacts the social well being of many adults by limiting their ability to participate in activities that could result in urinary leakage. In the majority of cases, this frustrating problem can be treated with good results utilizing conservative measures, often without the need for surgical intervention. Normal urinary control requires intact communication between the brain and the urinary tract, a healthy bladder with adequate storage capacity, and a robust urinary sphincter muscle that can tighten and relax on command. The most common cause of urinary leakage in women is the loss of muscle tone in the pelvic floor musculature resulting from previous childbirth, pelvic surgery, and post-menopausal hormonal changes. Urinary issues in men are most often a consequence of abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. In both men and women, conditions such as urinary infections, diabetes, obesity, memory loss, chronic constipation, and neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can also contribute to the development of urinary incontinence. The treatment of urinary incontinence aims to identify and correct the underlying cause(s) of the urinary tract dysfunction. In women, the treatment should begin with strengthening of the urinary and pelvic floor musculature while maximizing bladder storage capacity. This is best achieved by enlisting the help of a physical therapist with expertise in the management of pelvic floor dysfunction. Other conservative treatments include moderating the intake of caffeine and other bladder irritants, correcting urinary tract damage caused by chronic estrogen deficiency, and optimizing the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. If conservative measures prove unsuccessful in correcting urinary incontinence, prescription medications and even surgical intervention may be appropriate for further treatment. – Tami Motley
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