RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah has launched a special clinic to address critical issues relating to bladder control problems, pelvic floor prolapse and dysfunction and other similar issues faced by women.

The specialised team at the new “Uro-Gyne Clinic” will focus on working with women by helping them overcome debilitating and sometimes embarrassing conditions.

“Urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time,” said Dr Dinanath Thakur, consultant and HOD, RAK Hospital.

“If urinary incontinence affects your day-to-day activities, don't hesitate to see your doctor. In most cases, simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment can ease your discomfort or stop urinary incontinence.

“Urinary incontinence is more common among women than men. About 10 per cent to 30 per cent of women aged 15-64 years are thought to suffer from it, compared to between 1.5 per cent and 5 per cent of men,” he added.

“It is estimated that 20 per cent of all women over the age of 40 are affected by urinary incontinence. It is likely that the true number of women affected is much higher. Many do not tell their doctor about their incontinence, due to embarrassment,” Dr Thakur continued.

“Some wrongly think that incontinence is a normal part of ageing or that it cannot be treated. This is unfortunate, as many cases can be successfully treated or significantly improved. If you're one of the many women who experience bladder control problems, don't let embarrassment keep you from getting the help you need.”

Urinary incontinence (UI) in women facts:

•    The definition of urinary incontinence in women is the unintentional loss of urine.

•    Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause may contribute to urinary incontinence in women.

•    Weak bladder muscles, overactive bladder muscles, and nerve damage may also cause urinary incontinence.

•    There are different types of urinary incontinence in women, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, functional incontinence, overflow incontinence, mixed incontinence, and transient incontinence.

•    Diagnosis of urinary incontinence in women may involve a physical exam, an ultrasound, urodynamic testing, and tests including cystoscopy, urinalysis, and a bladder stress test. The doctor will also take a medical history and may recommend keeping a bladder diary.

•    Treatment of urinary incontinence in women may include behavioral or non pharmacologic treatments, like bladder training and Kegel exercises, medication, biofeedback, neuromodulation, surgery, catheterization, or a combination of these therapies.

Dr Talat Masroor, consultant and HOD, Gynecology, RAK Hospital, said: “Our doctors, physician assistants and physical therapists spend the required time with the patients to help them understand the complex causes of their conditions.”

“These assessments include a detailed patient history, a physical examination and advanced diagnostic testing.  In most cases, women are evaluated in a single visit and sent home with a treatment plan. The clinic aims to offer non-surgical treatments, including medications, pelvic exercises, biofeedback, electric stimulation, behavioral and dietary modifications etc.  When symptoms continue to interfere with daily activities, vaginal, abdominal or laparoscopic surgery may be necessary,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service