If you suffer from incontinence, you may know there are medications that can help you control your symptoms. But did you know some other types of medications may actually be making your symptoms worse? Here are five common types of medications that studies have shown can exacerbate urine leakage:

• Sleeping pills and sedatives: Both of these medications cause deep relaxation and make you less likely to respond to normal signals that your bladder is full. The result: Nighttime incontinence and a wet bed.
• Antidepressants: Many antidepressant drugs can interfere with bladder contraction, making it more difficult to completely empty your bladder and resulting in urge incontinence.
• Narcotic pain relievers: Like antidepressants, narcotic drugs can also interfere with your bladder’s ability to contract and even make you less likely to recognize that you need to urinate.
• Diuretics: Also called water pills, diuretics are taken by many people with heart problems to reduce excess fluid and salt in the body and make it easier for the heart to pump. They work by stimulating the kidneys, which in turn fills your bladder, often resulting in incontinence due to overactive bladder.
• High blood pressure medications: Alpha blockers are used to help control high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. They can also be prescribed to men who have enlarged prostates. In addition to dilating blood vessels, alpha blockers relax the muscles in the neck of the bladder, resulting in urine leakage for many women who take the pills.

Does this mean you should stop taking these medications? Absolutely not! Never change your medication or dosage without consulting your doctor. What it does mean is that if you suffer from incontinence, you might want to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor so you can see if a change helps reduce or eliminate your incontinence symptoms. Contact our team in Middle Tennessee for a consultation.

It’s National Bladder Health Awareness month what better time to learn how to effectively manage your incontinence symptoms?

Here are seven tips to help you do just that:

-Learn how to do pelvic floor exercises and then actually do them. Kegel exercises can be effective in helping many people learn to control bladder leakage, but many people do not perform them correctly and many more don’t bother to stick with a regular schedule. Kegels are very discreet; they can and should be done throughout the day to maintain strength and reduce leakage.

-Watch your fluid intake. Yes, you want to be sure you drink enough to stay hydrated and avoid urinary tract infections, but try to limit drinking shortly before bed or before going out.

-Limit caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps your body get rid of excess fluid. The result: Greater chances of leakage and urgency. Alcohol has an effect on your brain and the signals that tell it when you need to use the bathroom and it also acts as a mild diuretic.

-Set a bathroom schedule. Make a note of how often you feel a need to go and then schedule a bathroom break shortly before that time to make sure you’re keeping your bladder empty.

-Cut back on really spicy foods. Spicy foods can irritate your bladder’s lining, increasing feelings of urgency.

-Lose those extra pounds. Even moderate weight gain can place extra pressure on your bladder, resulting in unexpected leaks.

-Avoid foods and beverages with citric acid as well as carbonated drinks. Lemons, oranges, grapefruit even cranberries all of these contain citric acid which can increase that urgent feeling that you need to go. Carbonated beverages can have the same effect.

 If you suffer from incontinence, learning to manage your symptoms can make life more enjoyable, but it’s also important to get treatment. Today, there are lots of options for treating incontinence so you can lead a happier, more confident life. Call the Incontinence Institute today at (800) 771-1953 to schedule an evaluation.

Black Friday is almost here, and for bargain shoppers, that means long lines and a long day of going from store to store to get the best deals. If you suffer from incontinence, it can also means leaks. Here are some protection options to consider to help keep you dry and confident during your Black Friday adventures:

• Pads or liners: Choose from products that secure to undergarments with an adhesive strip as well as those that use a belt to keep them in place. Pads and liners (or leak guards) are ideal for light leaking.
• Disposable pull-ups: These products offer a range of features as well as different degrees of absorbency. Good choice for moderate leakage.
• Washable underwear: As the name says, a washable, reusable type of protective underwear. Not as convenient as disposables, but usually less costly over time.
• Disposable briefs: Also called adult diapers, these products provide maximum protection for heavy leakage, especially at night.

Aside from design and fit, here are some other characteristics to take into account:

• Gender: Briefs and pads are made for both men and women to provide protection where you most need it.
• Absorbency: From light occasional leaks to more significant or more frequent leaks, today’s pads and undergarments are designed for a wide range of absorbency needs. Many people with light leakage problems use pads during the day and adult briefs when they sleep to provide complete protection.
• Size: Choosing a product that doesn’t fit properly means you miss out on important protection. Although it may seem like a larger product would provide more protection, poor fit can leave gaps where urine can leak out. Instead, choose a product with greater absorbency.
• Cost: Prices can vary considerably among brands; be aware that often, lower cost means less protection and absorbency. Shop online as well as in stores to find the best deals.
• Extra features: Side leakage protection, odor control, Velcro® fasteners and special materials that wick moisture away from your skin can increase your comfort factor.

November is National Bladder Health Awareness Month, which makes it the ideal time to treat your incontinence issues. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and happy shopping!

Although the symptoms and signs may be similar, incontinence occurs in different ways as a result of different causes. Diagnosing the underlying cause is the first step in deciding which type of treatment is best for each individual patient’s needs. Two of the most popular options for incontinence today are the bladder sling and the InterStim® device, and while they can both help stem the primary sign of incontinence leakage they’re used for two entirely different types of incontinence.

Bladder Sling

The bladder sling, or urethral sling, is just that: a sling, often made of the patient’s own tissues but sometimes made of a synthetic material, that’s positioned to provide additional support for weak pelvic floor muscles. The sling is attached to the abdominal wall and helps hold the bladder in place. As a treatment tool, it’s used for patients who have stress incontinence, leaking urine primarily during periods of physical activity or as a result of sneezing or coughing. Bladder slings have been used in millions of women and have a high degree of success – studies show more than 90 percent find their symptoms are resolved following the procedure.

InterStim®

InterStim® is used for patients with overactive bladder, a condition that’s accompanied by frequent and often uncontrollable urges to urinate, even when the bladder contains very little urine. This condition occurs as a result of damage or injury to the nerves that control bladder function and communicate the urge response to the brain. The InterStim® device works by regulating nerve stimulation so the brain does not misinterpret the signals that trigger the bladder to contract. InterStim® is associated with high levels of success in people with overactive bladder as well as those with fecal incontinence where nerves are involved.

Those are just two of the possible treatments for urinary incontinence; there are many more, including medication and physical therapy. November is National Bladder Health Awareness Month. If you’re suffering from incontinence, now is a great time to get started on treatment. Call us at (800) 771-1953 to schedule your appointment today in Middle Tennessee.

If you suffer from incontinence and Kegels just haven’t helped reduce or resolve your symptoms, here’s another idea: Try working with a physical therapist. Physical therapists can help many women who suffer from certain types of incontinence develop stronger pelvic floor muscles to help them retain urine and prevent leakage. In fact, several studies have shown that working with a physical therapist can be a very effective way to reduce or even eliminate many types of incontinence symptoms.

Learning to do Kegels the correct way as well as how to incorporate them into daily living are critical to getting the maximum benefits from these exercises so you can avoid or reduce your use of other products including pads and even some medications. Plus, a physical therapist can work in conjunction with your regular doctor to ensure your condition is properly monitored and treated from all perspectives to maximize your chances of controlling your symptoms.

In most physical therapy practices, the therapist will evaluate you first, reviewing your medical records and performing an evaluation of the strength, motor control and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles, as well as a screening to check for the presence of other musculoskeletal problems or issues. Then, the therapist will work with you to design an exercise and strengthening routine individualized for your needs, educating you about your role in developing control of your incontinence symptoms.

Most therapists will also help you learn how to perform the exercises throughout the day, and they can also provide tips for those whose muscles are very weak and who may feel discouraged when beginning the Kegel exercise routine. Additionally, they can provide guidance on how to perform daily tasks so you minimize your risk of leaks.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of incontinence, there’s no reason to suffer in silence. Today, there are lots of options for treating the condition and reducing symptoms or eliminating them altogether. The first step in feeling better again is to call the Incontinence Institute at (800) 771-1953 to schedule an appointment so you can be evaluated and begin your journey to a healthier, more confident future.

According to the American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD), about a third of women avoid sex as a result of their incontinence symptoms. If you’re one of those in that 33 percent, there are a few steps you can take to get your sex life back on track.

What is urinary incontinence during sex?

According to the National Library of Medicine, coital incontinence occurs when there is an involuntary loss of urine during sexual intercourse. This commonly affects sexually active women, but can also affect men after a prostatectomy. Sixty percent of women with urinary incontinence report having leakage during sex, so this is a prevalent issue among people with incontinence and you are not alone.

How to treat incontinence during sex

1. Talk openly about your worries with your partner.

It may not be the sexiest topic, but part of trusting your partner is being able to talk openly about your concerns. Both men and women experience changes in their sex lives and performance as they age; discussing these issues openly can foster a deeper understanding and more meaningful relationship.

2. Control fluid intake before sex.

Try not to drink fluids an hour before having sex (but certainly don’t avoid drinking if you’re thirsty), and avoid caffeine for a few hours before having sex. Urinate just before sex and focus on completely relaxing the bladder to get as much out as possible. Place towels on your bed to protect against possible leakage during sex, and take a bathroom break during sex if you feel you need to urinate.

3. Try different positions.

Intercourse using a rear- or side-entry position prevents your partner’s weight from resting on your bladder where added pressure can increase the risk of leaks.

4. Strengthen pelvic floor muscles with Kegels.

When you urinate, try to stop the flow of urine. Those muscles you’re using are your pelvic floor muscles, and Kegel exercises are designed to help you strengthen them so you have better control of your urine flow.

5. Talk to an incontinence specialist.

Your doctor can help you understand your medical options for treating incontinence, including medications and bladder control techniques that can help you prevent leakage. Most importantly, you’ll be evaluated for any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your incontinence so you can get the customized treatment you need for optimal results.

Contact the Incontinence Institute to find incontinence relief

If you’re suffering from incontinence, seeing your doctor is the first step in taking back control of your life. Call our office today or fill out our contact form to schedule your evaluation so you can begin learning about your treatment options.

If you watch television for any length of time, there’s a good chance you’ve seen at least one law firm commercial discussing the dangers of bladder slings. These commercials tend to give the impression that every bladder sling procedure will likely end in some sort of medical horror story. But in reality, bladder slings are very safe, and they’ve been used to successfully treat urinary stress incontinence for many years.

What is a bladder sling?

As we age, gravity, childbirth, and weight gain can cause the bladder and the urethra (the tube urine flows through) to weaken and shift downward. Bladder slings, or urethral slings, are used to hold the urethra in its normal position and to place gentle pressure on the urethra to help it prevent urine from leaking out. The slings are attached to the wall of the abdomen and may be made of natural or synthetic materials. Bladder sling surgery, also called bladder lift surgery, is more complicated than other types of treatments, so your doctor will try other approaches, like medications, before recommending surgery.

Can there be bladder sling complications?

As with any surgery, there can be complications from bladder sling surgery. Some complications include difficulty urinating, especially immediately following the surgery, bleeding, infection, and the risks that accompany general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss all the risks with you before you undergo surgery. In some cases, your doctor may recommend using your own tissue (ligaments, tendons, or muscle) to create the sling instead of mesh so there is no risk of rejection and to reduce any risk of erosion of the urethra or vagina. About 80 percent of incontinence cases completely resolve after the surgery, making the risk of bladder sling complications worth it for many people.

There are cases where it does not make sense to have bladder sling surgery. The positive results of bladder sling surgery are reversed in pregnancy and childbirth, so women who plan to have children should not have bladder sling surgery.

Bladder sling recovery

Patients treated with a urethral sling can expect a short recovery period and usually go home a few hours after the procedure. Most patients can return to work in two to three days, but exercise should be avoided for several weeks after the procedure. In addition, most doctors recommend avoiding swimming, baths, and intercourse for two to six weeks after bladder sling surgery.

Find relief with the Incontinence Institute

Don’t be scared off by a television commercial. If you’re experiencing incontinence, the first step toward feeling better and controlling your symptoms is speaking with a doctor and having a complete evaluation. Or, fill out our urinary incontinence self-assessment to determine your incontinence risk. Today, there are so many innovative treatments, non-surgical as well as surgical, so there’s no reason to suffer from the inconvenience and embarrassment of bladder or bowel leakage. Call our discrete medical concierge at (888) 741-6403 or fill out our form to schedule your appointment in Middle Tennessee.

Gallbladder surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the U.S. today, with more than 700,000 procedures taking place each year. While the vast majority of patients experience no postoperative complications or changes, a small percentage may develop symptoms of fecal incontinence after gallbladder surgery which can range from occasional minor bowel leakage to more significant loss of bowel control. Symptoms can develop soon after surgery; other times, they may not appear until months afterward or longer.

What Is A Gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small four-inch organ that is located under the liver in the upper-right section of one’s abdomen. The gallbladder concentrates and stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. 

What Does Your Gallbladder Do?

Your gallbladder acts as a reservoir for bile, a digestive acid produced by your liver. During digestion, your gallbladder delivers bile to the small intestine, through a small duct known as the common bile duct, in varying amounts depending on the food that’s being digested. This helps digest fats more effectively. 

What is Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a common surgery that can be performed both as an outpatient or inpatient. The surgery most normally includes inserting a small camera and special surgical tools through small incisions to peer inside one’s abdomen and remove the gallbladder.

Why Is Gallbladder Removal Necessary?

Gallbladder removal is most commonly necessary to treat gallstones and any issues that they may cause. A doctor may recommend gallbladder removal if you are experiencing one of the following:

• Pancreas inflammation due to gallstones
• Gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct
• Gallbladder inflammation

Gallbladder Removal Side Effects

Incontinence or other side effects can be a concern for some after they have undergone gallbladder removal. Below we have listed a number of side effects in bowel movements after gallbladder removal that one may experience.

Bowel Incontinence After Gallbladder Removal

Once the gallbladder is removed, some may notice an increase in mucus in their stool after the gallbladder removal. This is due to an increased amount of bile being delivered directly to the small intestine. This bile can act as a laxative resulting in increased bowel movements or bowel leakage after gallbladder surgery due to looser stools that are harder for your body to control. These symptoms resolve by themselves over time, but other times, they may persist.

Yellow Diarrhea or Smelly Bowels After Gallbladder Removal

Some people may experience yellow diarrhea or smelly poop after gallbladder removal. The larger amounts of bile reaching the colon may cause irritation resulting in diarrhea with a yellow hue. The increased amounts of bile salt can also make one’s bowel movements have a more potent smell as well. As your body adjusts after the gallbladder removal, these usually go away in a few weeks. If it continues to persist, consulting your doctor would be recommended.

Urinary Incontinence After Gallbladder Surgery

Some people report experiencing urinary incontinence after gallbladder removal. However, the reason for this was stress, aptly known as stress urinary incontinence, from the procedure. This is a common type of urinary incontinence and consulting your doctor about treatment plans is recommended.

Gallbladder Surgery Recovery and Incontinence Treatment Options

The first step towards successful recovery from gallbladder surgery and any resulting incontinence issues is reaching out to a physician for a consultation to help put you on the path leading to a happier, more confident life.

For many, changing one’s behavior can help treat these incontinence issues. Some examples of such changes are listed below:

• Diet Modification – Changing what one eats to increase fiber intake and fluid consumption.
• Increase Bowel Habits – Making sure one drinks plenty of liquids, gets proper exercise, and allowing their body regular bowel movements can help.
• Physical Therapy – In some cases, attending physical therapy can help treat fecal incontinence.

Other non-invasive procedures to help with incontinence resulting from gallbladder removal are:

• Medications – It is recommended one speaks with a physician about medications that can help with their unique situation.
• Biofeedback Therapy – This therapy is a painless, personalized method to help the patient learn how to control their muscles.

Fecal incontinence can cause significant embarrassment, anxiety and even depression, but the good news is, today there are lots of treatments that can be used to control symptoms,.

Studies have shown many people with fecal incontinence are too embarrassed to speak to their doctor about their symptoms. As a result, they live with unnecessary shame and inconvenience. If you suffer from fecal incontinence, remember: your doctor has heard it all before.

Make an appointment with an Incontinence Institute physician today in Middle Tennessee for an evaluation so you can start leading a happier, more confident life.

For many women, the beginning of menopause ushers in a whole host of symptoms: hot flashes, moodiness, night sweats – all thanks to fluctuating levels of hormones. But there’s another common symptom that doesn’t get as much attention as urinary incontinence.

The fact is, many women report bladder leakage or overactive bladder when they reach their 40s and 50s, and although some research has indicated those symptoms may occur as a result of hormonal changes, more recent research says perhaps the link is not as strong as once believed.

The premise behind the possible link between the two has to do with hormone receptors that line a woman’s genitourinary tract. As hormones begin to diminish, those receptors may not receive the same communication from the bladder as they did during younger years, and that might contribute to bladder leakage or more frequent urges. Based on that theory, some practitioners turned to hormone replacement therapy to treat UI symptoms as well as other symptoms of menopause.

Now, a recent study from researchers in France says those hormone replacement products may not be as helpful as once thought for treating UI. In that study, oral products had no effect on stress incontinence; however, vaginal creams did prove effective in treating overactive bladder. According to the researchers, one of the issues in determining a link between menopause and UI is that it can be difficult to determine which symptoms may be due to hormone changes and which are due to other age-related changes like pelvic floor muscle weakness.

So what’s the take-home message for you? Regardless of the cause of urinary incontinence, it’s not something that should be ignored. There are many treatments for both UI and overactive bladder, and seeing your healthcare provider is the first step in determining the best approach for your needs. If you’re suffering with incontinence or overactive bladder, don’t ignore your symptoms or hope they just go away. Give the Incontinence Institute a call today at (800) 771-1953 and take that first step toward a more confident life.