What are the most common bladder issues?

Ladies, do you have bladder problems that keep you from pursuing your goals? Do you want to exercise, work, travel, go out more and not worry about “accidents” happening?

If so, we have the help you need.

Bladder ConditionsAt Advanced Urology Institute, we know that you value your social life and we want you to keep enjoying the things you like doing.

Through our female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) physicians at our Fort Myers office, we provide effective treatment for bladder issues in a compassionate, personalized, and multidisciplinary way, ensuring a high rate of success and uninterrupted social life.

You may not know it, but bladder problems have treatment options that dramatically improve symptoms from these conditions. With treatment, you will never have to reduce your physical activity or remain in isolation. Instead, regain your freedom and enjoy an improved quality of life. That is why you should see a physician with expertise in urogynecology to receive the specialized attention necessary for a quick and complete recovery.

[continue reading more about bladder conditions here]

How Does the Bladder Sphincter Work?

The bladder sphincter is made up of two muscles that control the release of urine from the bladder through the urethra. If the bladder were a reservoir, then the bladder sphincter would be the dam that holds back water and controls when it is released. The bladder sphincter is made up of two muscles, the internal and external sphincter muscles.

  • The internal sphincter muscle is located at the opening of the bladder to the urethra. It is a smooth, involuntary muscle. Because of its location, it is also primary muscle prohibiting the release of urine.
  • The external sphincter muscle surrounds the area of the urethra outside the bladder. It is the secondary muscle in control of urine flow. It is made of skeletal muscle and is a voluntary muscle.

Both muscles function in a similar fashion. When one relaxes the voluntary muscle, the involuntary muscle relaxes as well. When these muscles are relaxed, they open up allowing for urine to flow out of the bladder through the urethra and out the body. When these muscles are contracted, they keep urine in the bladder. Given the functions of the bladder sphincter, it is understandable the important role it plays in urinary continence. Damage or weakening of these muscles can also be a main cause for urinary incontinence.

Urinary IncontinenceUrinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. It is a common yet embarrassing problem. It can be as mild as releasing a small amount of urine when you laugh or sneeze, or as serious as having the urge to urinate come on so strong and fast that you don’t have time to get to a bathroom. Problems with the bladder sphincters can cause several different forms of incontinence.

One form of urge incontinence occurs when the urethra can’t hold back urine in the bladder and the bladder sphincters relax uncontrollably.

Stress urinary incontinence is another common issue. In this case, stress or damage to the sphincters or surrounding muscles can cause urinary incontinence. This is common in women after childbirth, or in men after prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction occurs when trauma or disease of the central nervous system causes a person to lose control of their bladder sphincter muscles.

Although issues caused by malfunctioning bladder sphincters can be embarrassing, there are a variety of treatment options available. The option that works best–whether it be lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery–depends on the patient and their overall medical history. Urologists work to understand their patient’s unique needs and develop the best plan to treat their bladder problems. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Surgical Options for Overactive Bladder

If you feel frequent, sudden urges to urinate that you cannot control, you might be suffering from overactive bladder. This condition can lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame, but it’s a common problem and can be treated in a variety of ways. For many people, overactive bladder can be treated with lifestyle changes such as special diet, weight loss, regularly timed trips to the bathroom, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. Dealing with symptoms by using absorbent pads is also an option.

However, for some people, these methods are not enough to ensure they can live a healthy, fulfilling life. In these situations, surgical intervention is an option to correct overactive bladder problems.

Augmentation Cytoplasty

One of the options for treating overactive bladder is called augmentation cytoplasty. This procedure increases the size of the bladder. The surgeon accomplishes this by removing a small part of the intestine and using it to replace parts of the bladder in order to increase its capacity. For some people, this procedure allows them to resume normal bladder function. For others, the use of a catheter may be necessary for the rest of their life.

Urinary Diversion Surgery

Another surgical treatment option for overactive bladder is urinary diversion surgery. This procedure involves diverting urine from the bladder. One option for bypassing the bladder involves linking the ureters, which normally connect the kidneys to the bladder, to an ostomy bag outside of the body. Another option involves the creation of a new bladder inside of the patient’s body, which means they will be able to continue normal urinary function.

Bladder Removal

Bladder removal surgery, or a cystectomy, is the last resort option for patients with overactive bladder for whom no other treatment has been successful. For men, bladder removal surgery also involves the removal of part of the prostate; for women, it involves removal of the uterus, ovaries and part of the vagina. Because this is a risky procedure that involves multiple organs, it is usually only used for more serious urological conditions such as bladder cancer or birth defects. Removal of the bladder necessitates the use of a urinary diversion such as an ostomy bag or a stoma.

An overactive bladder can be a debilitating condition, but there are many options for treatment. If you are dealing with this issue, the physicians at Advanced Urology Institute are here to help you reach a diagnosis and find a treatment to restore your quality of life.

Getting to Know Dr. Dinesh S. Rao: A Key Urologist at Advanced Urology Institute

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Dinesh S. Rao, MD, is a skilled urologist in Ocala, FL, who is part of the Advanced Urology Institute.
  • Dr. Rao’s passion for surgery and interest in treating prostate cancer led him to pursue a career in urology.
  • With a strong educational background from Duke University, Dr. Rao is dedicated to providing exceptional care and innovative treatment options for patients with urological conditions.

Introduction to Dr. Dinesh S. Rao

Dinesh S. Rao, MD, is a highly skilled urologist in Ocala, FL, who is part of the renowned Advanced Urology Institute. With a passion for surgery and an interest in treating prostate cancer, Dr. Rao has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care and innovative treatment options for patients with urological conditions.

Finding His Passion for Urology

During medical school, Dr. Rao knew he wanted to pursue a surgical career. His interest in various types of surgery led him to explore urology, specifically the treatment of prostate cancer. As he spent more time with other urologists, Dr. Rao’s passion for the field grew, and he became increasingly interested in learning about surgery for prostate removal.

Education and Training at Duke University

Dr. Rao attended Duke University for his medical education, where he was exposed to a prestigious urology program. Duke’s urology program offered a wide range of prostate cancer treatments, further fueling Dr. Rao’s interest in the field. His experience at Duke eventually led him to stay at the university to complete his urology training.

Advanced Urology Institute: A Center of Excellence

The Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, and its team of skilled professionals, including Dr. Dinesh S. Rao, is dedicated to providing exceptional care to patients with urological conditions. With a focus on innovative treatment options and a commitment to patient-centered care, the Advanced Urology Institute has become a leader in the field of urology.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Hi, my name is Dr. Dinesh Rao.

I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute. In medical school, I know I wanted to do surgery. I’ve always liked working with my hands, and I was very interested in different types of surgery. The more time that I spent with the other urologists, the more interested I became in
treating prostate cancer. That was really the driving force for me to spend more time with the urology service.

I went to medical school at Duke University, and they have a very big urology program there, so we did a lot of different types of prostate cancer treatments, and I became very interested in learning more about surgery to remove the prostate. I think it was really my time with that service that led me to say, I’d like to learn more about this and learn more about urology, and actually that’s why I stayed there to do my urology training.

REFERENCES: