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Overactive Bladder Syndrome
www.OveractiveBladderSyndrome.com

Overactive Bladder Syndrome

What is Overactive Bladder & Overactive Bladder Syndrome?

Overactive Bladder Syndrome, also known as Female Urinary Incontinence or Stress Urinary Incontinence, is the loss of bladder control. 

Symptoms of Overactive Bladder Syndrome can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. It can happen to anyone, but it is more common in women who have had at least one vaginal childbirth, and becomes even more of a problem during menopause. 

Overactive Bladder Syndrome happens when genitourinary muscles are too weak or too active. If the muscles that keep your bladder closed are weak, you may have accidents when you sneeze, laugh or lift a heavy object. This is stress incontinence. If bladder muscles become too active, you may feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom when you have little urine in your bladder. There are other causes of Overactive Bladder Syndrome, including nerve damage and pelvic organ prolapse.

Doctors in Genitourinary Medicine are specialists in Overactive Bladder Syndrome.  Treatments for Overactive Bladder Syndrome depends on the type of problem you have and what best fits your lifestyle. It may include simple exercises, medicines, special devices or procedures prescribed by your doctor, or surgery.

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What is Adhesiolysis?

Treatment for the removal of Pelvic Adhesions is through a surgical procedure called "adhesiolysis." The adhesiolysis procedure may involve cutting and releasing the adhesions during a laparoscopy procedure or treating the adhesions during a laparotomy.

What is Colporrhaphy?

Colporrhaphy is the surgical repair of the vaginal wall. This includes repairing many types of vaginal surgery, including the repairs of the vagina in a "Pelvic Organ Prolapse," "vaginal prolapse," "Vaginal Vault Prolapse," or the repair of a "cystocele" in the vaginal wall(s) or vaginal vault or a rectocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder protrudes into the vagina, and a rectocele when the rectum protrudes into the vagina.

In the Colporrhaphy procudeure, a uro-gynecologist, or gynecological surgeon, places a vaginal speculum inside the vagina, which spreads/keeps the vagina open, for the doctor to inspect and repair the vagina. The vaginal wall is cut opened to reveal an opening in the supporting structures, or fascia and the defect is closed and then the vagina is repaired by suture and closed, and the speculum removed.

Who performs the Colporrhaphy and where is it performed?

Colporrhaphy is usually performed in a nearby hospital operating room by a uro-gynecologist, urologist or gynecological surgeon.

What is Colpopexy?

Colpopexy is the surgical suturing of the prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure - such as the abdominal wall or the sacrum, which is then called Sacral Colpopexy or Sacrocolpopexy.

What is Female Urinary Incontinence?

Female urinary incontinence is the inability for a woman to control urination.  

Female urinary incontinence is a significant and troubling problem for the majority of all women that have delivered one or more babies vaginally. 

Vaginal childbirth causes a "trauma" to the woman's vagina and pelvic region which includes the bladder, urethra and the ligaments that support them. 

Urine leakage when laughing, sneezing or coughing is a symptom of a woman having female urinary incontinence and a reason for her to visit her doctor.

Most people do not know that the majority of feminine hygiene products are sold to women - NOT for menstruation, but for female urinary incontinence!

What is Gynecologic Urology?

Gynecologic Urology, also referred to as Urogynecology, is a subspecialty within the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Uro-gynecology's specialty is female pelvic disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse - which are bulges that extend from the uterus into the vagina or extend out of the vagina), urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and constipation.

Doctors that complete their residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, then go onto complete fellowship training in Uro-gynecology, where they spend several years focusing only on Uro-gynecology and female pelvic disorders.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Pelvic Prolapse, is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, Pelvic Prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse, vaginal relaxation or vaginal vault prolapse.

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic Prolapse is another term used for "Pelvic Organ Prolapse."  Pelvic Prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse.

What are the symptoms that indicate a woman is suffering from  Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

• Loss of bladder control.

• Loss of bowel control.

• Increasing need and frequency to urinate - and then difficulty in completely emptying your bladder.

• The feelings that your of pelvic or vaginal heaviness, bulging, fullness and/or pain, or a feeling that something is "dropping."

• Recurrent bladder infections.

• Excessive vaginal discharge.

• Pain or lack of sensation during sex

But Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a real, common and treatable problem. Consider this:

About half of all women over age 50 suffer from some degree of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

One in 10 women undergo surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse by age 80.

What is Pelvic Reconstruction?

Pelvic Reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed by gynecologists or uro-gynecologies to repair pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse, among types of prolapse, and to correct the problem(s) and relieve the symptoms. 

Typically, Pelvic Reconstruction is performed vaginally and uses an implant to reinforce the strength of the weakened pelvic tissues. 

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

What Is Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy)?

Sacral Colpopexy, also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as Sacral Colpopexy, is the preferred surgical procedure for treating and correcting Vaginal Vault Prolapse with excellent results. Sacral Colpopexy has a very high rate of success  and the surgical procedure involves suturing a synthetic mesh that connects and supports the vagina to the sacrum, or tailbone. The Sacral Colpopexy operation is performed from the abdomen to support the vagina to the ligament on the spine (after previous or present surgery to remove the uterus) by using a synthetic mesh.

Why Is Sacral Colpopexy Performed? 

Sacral Colpopexy is performed to treat severe protrusion or bulge(s) of the vagina after removal of the uterus.

A woman's vagina that has one or more of these vaginal protrusion(s) may experience one or more of the following:

• The vaginal lump/bulge or protrusion feels uncomfortable or causes pain.  
• Difficulty with urination (e.g. unable to completely empty the bladder) 
• Bowel difficulties (e.g. constipation, incomplete emptying of bowels) 
• Pain 
• Infection 
• Bleeding 

The objective of the Sacral Colpopexy operation is to relieve the woman's symptoms and to restore her vagina and her vaginal anatomy (as much as possible) and recover her sexual function.

Are there any risks associated with Sacral Colpopexy surgery? 

Sacral Colpopexy surgery is a very common and relatively safe operation with excellent prognosis and outcomes.  However, like any surgical procedure, there are complications which may occur. Possible complications from Sacral Colpopexy surgery may include:

• Bleeding 
• Infection 
• Injury to surrounding tissues (e.g. nerve or blood vessels, ureter, intestines) 
• Formation of blood clot(s) in the legs or lungs 
• Recurrence of problem
• Slow return of bowel or bladder function 
• Erosion of synthetic material through vaginal mucosa 


What Happens Before Sacral Colpopexy Surgery? 

1. Blood tests, electrocardiography (ECG) and chest X-ray may be done to ensure that you are in optimal health for Sacral Colpopexy surgery. 

2. Your doctor may prescribe oral or vaginal estrogen (hormone) if you are already menopausal. It is important to comply with this medication as it ensures that your vaginal tissues are optimal for surgery and healing. 

3. You will be admitted to the hospital one day before Sacral Colpopexy surgery. 

4. You will be given preparations to clear your bowels.

5.  Your pubic hair surrounding your vagina and on your vulva will be shaved. 

6. You will not be allowed to eat or drink after midnight on the day before the surgery. 

7. All your medical and surgical conditions, if any, must be made known to the doctor and must be optimally controlled. 

8. If you are on aspirin, please keep your doctor informed. You must stop taking aspirin at least one week before Sacral Colpopexy surgery. 


What happens during the Sacral Colpopexy surgery? 

The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

An abdominal incision is made. The synthetic mesh is stitched to the posterior surface of the vagina and to the ligaments in front of the spine.

A tube / drain may be inserted into the abdomen to monitor the bleeding.

Another tube will be inserted into the urethra as there may be difficulty in urination after the Sacral Colpopexy procedure.

Painkillers, laxatives and antibiotics would generally be prescribed after the procedure.


What happens after Sacral Colpopexy surgery? 

1. Immediately after the operation, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Tiredness - You should rest and gradually increase your mobilization until you feel fit to return to your normal activities. 

• Discomfort - In the lower part of the abdomen, over the incision. This is to be expected and painkillers should help to relieve the discomfort. 

• Vaginal bleeding - Mild to moderate amount of reddish watery discharge after surgery is quite normal. You will need to wear a menstrual pad during the recovery period, but you will not be permitted to use tampons for obvious reasons.

2. One day after surgery, you will usually be allowed to drink and eat. You will be encouraged to move around. Blood chemistries and normal follow-up visits will be performed. 

3. The catheter that was placed in your urethra is usually removed the day after surgery. The drain is usually removed two days after the operation.

4. You may be discharged on the third or fourth day after surgery if the doctor is pleased with your progress and the outcome of the Sacral Colpopexy procedure. 

5. You should refrain from:

• Strenuous exercise for 2 months. You may return to normal activity after that, or upon clearance by your doctor. 

• Using tampons, douching, sexual intercourse and driving for 4 weeks. 

• Carrying heavy weights (> 10 pounds) for 6-8 weeks after Sacral Colpopexy surgery.

6. You should (immediately) return to the hospital or notify your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding 
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge 
• Severe abdominal distension and / or pain not relieved by painkillers 
• High fever 
• Pain associated with passing urine 
• Difficulty in passing urine 
• Constipation 

Follow-up doctor visits after Sacral Colpopexy surgery 

You will be examined by your doctor (at your doctor's office) at approximately; 2 weeks, 4 weeks, six months and and one year after Sacral Colpopexy surgery. 

It is important to keep your follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible results.

What is Vaginal Relaxation?

"Vaginal Relaxation" is a very common and embarrassing medical condition suffered by women who have undergone vaginal childbirth. Vaginal Relaxation is the medical term used by physicians, but most women and men refer to it as "loose vagina."

Vaginal Relaxation refers specifically to the loss of "vaginal tone" or vaginal tightness of the vagina as well as the vagina's supporting structures. 

The symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation are usually first recognized after a woman has her first vaginal childbirth.  However, the symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation become increasingly bothersome with each vaginal childbirth and worsen as a woman approaches menopause.

Some physicians and medical researchers believe that Vaginal Relaxation is a "disruption" of the vagina and its supporting vaginal ligaments - rather than a "stretching" during vaginal childbirth, and that this then leads to "Vaginal Relaxation."

Do I have "Vaginal Relaxation?" Symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation include:

• Women with Vaginal Relaxation complain (as well as many husbands!) of a loss of vaginal tightness. 

• Women describe that their vagina feels as if there is a "protrusion," "bulging" or "falling" feeling.

• Low back pain

• Painful intercourse

• Difficulty initiating urination or stress urinary incontinence. 

• Pelvic pain or pressure

Over 35 million American women (and their husbands) are suffering from Vaginal Relaxation or a loose vagina. Today, women can cure the problem and end the embarrassment of Vaginal Relaxation with a simple and very common medical procedure that takes less than one hour in a doctor's office to complete! 

What is "Nerve Stimulation" and how does Nerve Stimulation help patients?

There are various types of nerve stimulation, each with its own protocols for treating various ailments and conditions.

One type of nerve stimulation is for treating people with moderate to severe depression.  Depression can be a very serious and life-threatening condition that may require life-long management and treatment.  Treating depression may sometimes have a lower than hoped for success rate and estimates indicate that more than half of all patients with depression have relapses. Anti-depressant drugs and medication may lessen symptoms but may not relieve all of the symptoms in some patients.

Seizures also do not always respond to treatment. Some patients have tried two or more medications and still have seizures, as well as side effects from the drugs, both of which affect their quality of life.

Vagus nerve stimulators are a small medial device that are implanted under the skin of the chest.  A very small wire runs to the patient's vagus nerve, which is then stimulated by the device, in the same manner a pacemaker works.  In general, patients with depression normally experience an improvement in alertness, energy. memory, their depression improves as a result. better mood. These quality-of-life benefits improve over time. 

Vagus nerve stimulators, in general, have proven to be a safe and effective way to control seizures and lessen the severity of depression.   Because Vagus nerve stimulators are used, drugs are usually not required, and there are no side effects that are associated with anti-depressant or seizure-control medications.

See:  www.DepressionHelp.net  for more information about depression.

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Overactive Bladder Syndrome
www.OveractiveBladderSyndrome.com

Overactive Bladder Syndrome

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