Stress incontinence (also called urinary incontinence) can affect a woman’s
quality of life in several ways. Some women leak urine when they cough,
laugh, run, jump, or have intercourse. Others feel the need to urinate
frequently and/or urgently throughout the day or in the middle of the
night. Millions of women suffer from stress incontinence, but with a trip
to Ogden Clinic’s gynecology office, relief is possible.
Ogden Clinic Gynecologists provide a comprehensive evaluation that includes
urodynamics testing which is used to identify the cause of the incontinence.
Our experienced gynecology surgeons will work with you to determine the
best treatment for you which may include Kegel exercises, physical therapy,
tension-free vaginal tape, TVT, medications, injections or Interstim.
How is stress incontinence diagnosed?
Urodynamics is a procedure to evaluate the lower urinary tract function
for patients that experience incontinence and urinary discomfort. Patients
must arrive to the office with a full bladder for the test. The test is
performed while lying down with a catheter gently inserted through the
urethra into the bladder. The study typically takes 10-15 minutes and
involves minor radiation exposure. Mild irritation of the urethra is common.
On rare occasions, patients may experience an allergic reaction to the
iodine-based contrast dye. Additional tests may be indicated to establish
a diagnosis.
In-office treatments available at Ogden Clinic
Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) Urethral Support Sling
Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is used as a urethral support sling in
a minimally invasive procedure that can help correct or improve urinary
stress incontinence. The soft mesh tape is used to support the urethra.
The sling functions similar to a hammock in which your urethra rests to
prevent leakage. This is a procedure that is performed in the hospital
under anesthesia, but most patients go home the same day.
InterStim® Therapy
InterStim® therapy is used to regulate the nerves that control incontinence.
The therapy is like a “pacemaker” for the bladder that prevents
your bladder from leaking or making you urinate frequently. This is a
procedure typically reserved for patients who have already tried medication
to control their urinary symptoms and did not experience improvement or
were unable to tolerate the side effects of medication.
One advantage of considering InterStim® is that a trial-run is available.
A thin wire is attached to the device which is temporarily placed near
your sacral nerves near the pelvis. Patients leave the office and the
device is taped to the skin for a few days. During that time, you will
keep track of your urinary symptoms to see if InterStim® can make
a difference for you. If symptoms improve, patients may choose to have
InterStim® implanted surgically. If the device doesn’t relieve
symptoms, the temporary wire is removed and there are no long-term effects.
Select providers are now using Telemedicine.
Visit
Telemedicine to see if your next visit can take place over video chat.
Gynecology, ObstetricsView Profile
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