Urology in south bend, in
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is often referred to as painful bladder syndrome. This occurs when the lining in the bladder is thinner than normal, or possibly even nonexistent, which causes inflammation to the bladder.
Symptoms include: Urinary frequency and urgency, pelvic pain, and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) without UTI or other vaginal infection.
While the cause is unknown, factors that contribute to IC are bladder trauma or overdistension (overfilling), pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, bacterial bladder infection (cystitis), autoimmune diseases and other causes.
Diagnosis for IC is made through thorough history, medical questionnaires, physical exam (including pelvic exam).
While Candescent Health and Wellness does not currently perform surgical procedures to treat Interstitial Cystitis, patients are able to receive accurate diagnosis and work with our team to initiate care and lifestyle changes prior to surgical intervention.
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Bladder Incontinence
Bladder Incontinence or Urinary Incontinence occurs when a person uncontrollably leaks urine. Urinary Incontinence can happen to anyone, however individuals who are at higher risk are women, particularly older women, also those who are pregnant, postpartum or those with history of pelvic surgery. While embarrassing, incontinence can often be controlled or stopped.
Causes of urinary incontinence include urinary tract infections, vaginal infection, constipation, some medications, weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder muscles, damage to bladder control nerves, pelvic organ prolapse.
Types of Incontinence include urge incontinence, stress incontinence, overflow incontinence and functional incontinence. A thorough evaluation, history and exam will guide your clinician toward an appropriate diagnosis and therapy for your incontinence.
Incontinence treatment depends on the cause and how severe the condition is. Typically, a multimodal treatment approach is the most effective. Various treatment methods can include bladder control training, toileting schedule, pelvic floor physical therapy, medications, biofeedback and surgery. Dietary changes can also improve incontinence, but do not limit water intake.
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Urinary Tract Infections
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra, though most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract. Individuals with vulvas and vaginas are more likely to develop UTIs than those with penises. Infections which remain in the urethra and bladder are usually easily treated with oral antibiotics. However, more aggressive treatment may be necessary if a UTI progresses to involving the kidneys.
Symptoms of UTI include a strong persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, frequent small amounts of urine when urinating, urine that is cloudy or smells foul, urine that appears red, pink or dark brown, and pain in the pelvis and above the pubic bone. Symptoms can also involve fever, shaking and chills, nausea, vomiting, and back or side pain.
To reduce the risk of contracting a UTI you can stay hydrated, practice good perineal hygiene and urinate after intercourse or sexual intimacy.
If you think you might have a urinary tract infection, call our office today for a same day appointment and a full evaluation and assessment will be conducted in order to ensure appropriate treatment is provided.
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Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is recognized by sudden and frequent urges to urinate which are uncontrollable. Patients often feel like they’ve got to urinate day or night and may also experience urinary incontinence. Patients with OAB often urinate more than eight times in a day (24 hours) and wake up twice or more during the night to urinate. The best course of action for someone with OAB is to determine the cause, in order to determine the best treatment. Dietary changes, timed toileting, bladder holding to train your pelvic floor muscles are all ways in which OAB can be controlled.
Though the specific cause of OAB is unknown, symptoms associated with OAB include hyperactive pelvic floor muscles, involuntary bladder contractions. Conditions which increase risk of OAB include Diabetes, UTI, peri-menopause related hormonal changes, medications which increase urge to urinate, increased intake of alcohol or caffiene, and incomplete bladder emptying.
To decrease the risk of developing OAB you can get regular, frequent joyful movement (some people call this exercise- we think that term is outdated), limit caffeine and alcohol, quit smoking (Candescent can help you with this!), have well controlled “other” conditions such as diabetes, engage your pelvic floor muscles frequently, see a pelvic floor physical therapist (Ask us for our recommendations!).