Medical Specialties

Urology

Continence Care

Despite what one might guess from the number of ads for personal protection products, incontinence and other bladder control problems are not necessarily a normal part of the aging process. While it is likely that more than 35 million Americans suffer from bladder control disorders, you needn't be among them.

Diagnosis
Understanding the contributing causes of symptoms is important when solving bladder problems. To do this, several types of diagnostic procedures may be used. One of the most effective is a urodynamic study that provides a detailed look at the functional performance of the bladder and urethra. A video-urodynamic study combines the benefits of hydrodynamic monitoring with fluoroscopic imaging, greatly improving diagnosis. Dr. Lemmers' practice is one of only a handful of regional practices to offer this leading-edge diagnostic capability. Most importantly, the diagnostic process, combined with individualized treatment plans, helps patients regain control.

Treatment
Many men and women can be treated with medications, often combined with certain behavioral modifications. Recent advances in prescription therapies offer patients better symptom control and fewer side effects. People with overactive bladders or continence problems that have not responded to conservative treatments may benefit from the InterStim® sacral nerve modulator. Working somewhat like a pacemaker, the InterStim® device is a programmable microcomputer that is placed under the skin and attached to an electrode that stimulates bladder and sphincter nerves. This therapy can increase the time intervals between urinations, decrease the sense of urgency, and often cure leakage completely. In addition, it has been helpful for some people with certain bladder emptying problems.

Despite the treatment options now available, some urinary tract conditions causing incontinence are still best treated by surgical procedures. These operations are usually intended to compensate for anatomic abnormalities, thereby helping the bladder and urethra to function better. Occasionally, an incontinence sufferer will be found to have an unexpected underlying problem, such as an obstruction or a tumor, that needs to be treated in other ways.