Published on November 10, 2010

Bladder Awareness Month Highlights a Common but Rarely Talked About Problem

This month, Dean Clinic urologists encourage people to open up about an issue affecting 33 million Americans.

Nearly one in six Americans suffer from bladder control problems. Although generally associated with advancing age, this sometimes embarrassing problem can affect anyone.

Urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency result in big struggles with everyday activities like working, shopping, traveling or even seeing a movie. Unfortunately, many of those affected don't realize their problems may be easily treatable.

“There is a broad spectrum of treatment options that range from lifestyle changes to new surgical techniques,” according to Jennifer Maskel, MD, a urologist at Dean Clinic. In the past five years, we have seen tremendous progress in areas such as physical therapy and biofeedback, as well as many new minimally invasive surgeries.”

In most situations, patients can initiate a treatment plan with their primary care providers like family medicine, internal medicine, or Ob-Gyn physicians. In many cases, these providers offer their patients effective treatments with immediate relief. In more complex cases, primary care providers may refer a patient to a specialist.

“Just like primary care,” says Dean Urologist Adam Tierney, MD, “we start with the least invasive methods. For example, we’ve seen some remarkable new findings about the impact weight loss can have in controlling bladder problems. There are new physical therapies that have had great success. New drug therapies are also available, offering precise targeting for a variety of symptoms. InterStim, a mild nerve stimulation therapy, is producing great results. And the surgical options continue to expand.”

“Patients with bladder health issues don’t have to accept their conditions as permanent,” says Dr. Maskel.

In an effort to bring valuable information about bladder conditions and the latest treatments, Jennifer Maskel, MD, is offering a free seminar, Reclaiming Control, which is open to the public.

Reclaiming Control

Hosted by Jennifer Maskel, MD

Date:                Thursday, November 18

Time:                6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location:           St. Mary's Hospital Conference Center, Bays 1-3 / 700 S. Park Street, Madison