Regain Your Life: women affected by bladder control problems no longer must suffer in silence thanks to increased awareness and new treatment options offered by Saint Luke's Urogynecologists

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —  As many as 50 percent of women will find  themselves crossing their knees when they laugh, frequently seeking out the bathroom, or avoiding social situations for fear of experiencing urinary incontinence in public. Many women suffer in silence believing it is a normal part of aging. However, during this National Bladder Health Week from Nov. 10-14, 2014, Roberta Blandon, M.D., specialist in pelvic floor disorders with Saint Luke’s Urogynecology, dispels that myth and offers tips to help women of all ages break free from pelvic floor disorders.

“Women commonly say, ‘my mother or my sister has this problem, and it is just a normal part of growing older,’” said Dr. Blandon. “The truth is while urinary continence is common, it is not untreatable. In fact, there are many simple things women can do to help overcome pelvic floor disorders and regain quality of life.”

Pelvic floor disorders are problems with bladder control, bowel control (problems having a bowel movement or stool leakage), or pelvic organ prolapsed (feeling pelvic pressure or bulge in the vagina) caused by weakened muscles or tears in the pelvis.

“Urinary incontinence can have a tremendous impact on a woman’s life by restricting her social and physical activities. It is a significant reason for nursing home placement in elderly women,” said Dr. Blandon. “However, women should not be embarrassed or ashamed of discussing these issues or resign themselves to wearing continence pads.”

The key is addressing the issue. Eighty to 90 percent of women treated by a specialist will experience significant symptom improvement. Treatment options include surgical and non-surgical treatments, and therapy should be individualized to the patient and her condition.

Women can improve their pelvic floor health by taking some of the following steps:

  • Maintaining a normal weight
  • Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
  • Avoiding constipation
  • Exercising regularly
  • Seeing medical attention to prevent chronic cough
  • Avoiding heavy lifting
  • Stopping smoking
  • Learning how to properly perform pelvic floor exercises, or “Kegels”

As part of National Bladder Health Week, Dr. Blandon will host a free educational event, “Break Free from Pelvic Floor Disorders” from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Barry Medical Park Conference Center located at 5844 N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City on the Saint Luke’s North Hospital campus. The event is designed to empower women affected by pelvic floor disorders by providing them with the basic knowledge they need to evaluate their own pelvic health and address pelvic health issues with their physician. For more information or to register call 816-932-1785.

Dr. Blandon is the only female board certified Urogynecologist and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon in the Kansas City area.

Saint Luke’s Health System

Saint Luke’s Health System consists of 10 area hospitals and several primary and specialty care practices, and provides a range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care services. Founded as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, our mission includes a commitment to the highest levels of excellence in health care and the advancement of medical research and education. The health system is an aligned organization in which the physicians and hospitals assume responsibility for enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of people in the metropolitan Kansas City area and the surrounding region.

 

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