It’s not a secret; it’s a common medical condition. A problem that is not often addressed yet affects four out of every 10 women of all ages is urinary incontinence.
Genuine Stress Incontinence (GSI), is the involuntary leakage of urine during normal activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercises or even during positional changes of the body. GSI occurs when muscles and tissue in the pelvic floor and urethra stretch and are weakened, preventing normal continence mechanisms from controlling urine loss.
Individuals may have uncontrollable urges to void upon hearing running water, arriving home or walking in the morning. This is typical of urge incontinence. This may also be due to weak muscles, but these individuals have a strong neurological component to their inability to stop urine flow. In simplified terms, the bladder is extremely irritable and lacks the ability to inhibit bladder contractions. These problems become more prevalent in postpartum and aging women.
There is no single specific cause. This condition is common in women especially after childbearing because of the unique stress placed on their bodies. In fact, this condition is so common, it is estimated that up to 40 percent of women have some form of involuntary urinary leakage.
The only sure way to know if you have it is to consult with a physician. Most women don’t talk about it at all, even with their doctor. Don’t keep it a secret anymore. Urinary leakage can be treated.
We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of incontinence. Modalities of care may include such things as urodynamic testing, behavioral therapy as well as medicinal and surgical treatments. We must determine the best treatment for the severity of your condition. We may want to perform additional diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Treatment options vary from physical therapy evaluation and treatment, to one of the new revolutionary procedures that are fast, affordable, effective and lifestyle-friendly.
Your first step on the road to recovery is a visit to our office. Then, when appropriate, we will refer you to a physical therapist. She will perform a thorough physical therapy evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding musculoskeletal system. Treatments will typically include manual physical therapy, biofeedback, electric stimulation, bowel and bladder behavior modification and exercise instruction. The physical therapist will remain in close contact with us to ensure that further medical management is pursued when necessary. If these treatments are not fully successful, we will evaluate you for possible procedures to address the urinary incontinence.
Dr. Navi has expanded experiences in the field of urogynecology and pelvic surgery. He has pioneered in Southern California the use of the new Transopturator Sling and SURx procedures in the treating of female urinary incontinence.
For more information, please contact Dr. Navi at 888-416-2496.