FIND YOUR WAY TO REAL RELIEF

There are many ways to manage bladder control problems.  If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you need, you have more options.

 

            STEP 1: DIAGNOSIS

            "WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?"

If you're experiencing the symptoms of common bladder control problems, it's time to meet with a bladder incontinence specialist like Dr. Harb. During your consultation you will be asked to fill out a symptom tracker to get a better idea of your daily experience and help confirm your diagnosis.

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Symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) include:

Urge incontinence

• Going before you reach the bathroom

• Experiencing frequent leaks

• Using pads or protective garments

Urgency-frequency

• Frequent, uncontrollable urge to go

• Going more than 8 times a day

• Feeling like your bladder is never empty

Symptoms of urinary retention* include:

• Can't tell if your bladder is full

• Holding increasingly large amounts of urine

• Weak or dribbling stream

• Needing to use a catheter

 

 

            STEP 2: 
            LIFESTYLE CHANGES

"WHAT SHOULD I TRY FIRST?"

Conservative treatments can help some people, but may not work very well (or at all) for others. All of these are relatively simple behavioral changes that you may already be doing.

• Diet and exercise: Changes may include decreasing your caffeine intake and getting more exercise.

• Bladder retraining: Also called biofeedback, this involves delaying going to the bathroom and sticking to a strict schedule.

• Pelvic floor strengthening: This can be accomplished through Kegel exercises, which involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor.

 

 

            STEP 3: 
            ORAL MEDICATIONS

"ARE THERE MEDICATIONS FOR OAB?"

When lifestyle changes fail to deliver the results you want, oral medications are the next step. These medications can help control symptoms, but may cause other issues.

You have to remember to take these medications every day. Some side effects can be unpleasant, such as dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, and hypertension. Other side effects are more serious. In fact, limited study data suggests that one class of
drugs for OAB (anticholinergics) may increase risk of dementia in elderly people.  Even more important, these medications don't always work. In one survey, 72 percent of people said they stopped taking their medication after just six months.

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            STEP 4: 
            ADVANCED THERAPIES

"WHAT IF MEDICATIONS DON’T WORK FOR ME?”

If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you want, you have more options. 

MEDTRONIC BLADDER CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIM SYSTEM

• Try it during an evaluation

• Proven long-term relief

Implanting an InterStim™ system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with Dr. Harb about ways to minimize these risks. Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. You will be provided with the information regarding how to operate the test device, and inform you of other precautions related to the evaluation and activity restrictions.