GYN.COM PRESENTS

LIFE LONG WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE

ERIK N. COHEN, M.D. AND ASSOCIATES

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Incontinence is the loss of urine at inappropriate times. More than 20 million men and women and children suffer from incontinence. During the normal urination process, urine is stored in the bladder, which stretches as it fills. The sphincter muscle prevents urine leakage. When the bladder is full, it signals the brain, telling the body to urinate. The bladder contracts, the sphincter relaxes and urination occurs.

What causes incontinence?

Weakened pelvic muscles, which support the sphincter and bladder, can disrupt the urination process and cause uncontrolled urine loss ‑ either in small or large quantities. Medications, surgeries, injuries, as well as pregnancy and genetics can contribute to incontinence.

What are my options?

Your physician will assess your incontinence to determine the best treatment plan. This could involve surgery, medications and/or a new non‑surgical alternative which utilizes a personalized computer program to help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and regain control of your bladder.

What does this new non‑surgical treatment entail?

Once your physician determines that you will benefit from this therapy, you will meet with a nurse specialist, who will determine your treatment protocol. In most cases, a sensor will be inserted vaginally for women, rectally for men. You will be asked to contract your pelvic floor muscle around the sensor, and the nurse will measure your muscle strength on the computer. During this process, small electrode patches attached to your abdomen will tell the nurse if you are using your stomach muscles during your contraction. Your goal will be to isolate your pelvic muscle without using your abdominal muscles. Another part of the treatment may include electrical stimulation, in which the sensor emits a slight pulse that causes your pelvic floor muscle to contract on its own. This part of the protocol is painless and actually helps re­condition your muscle.

The success of this treatment depends on your own actions. You will be asked to do daily exercises at home to help strengthen your muscles. Your nurse will also talk with you about your diet.

Does this therapy really work?

The majority of our patients report significant improvement or complete recovery of urine control within four to six weeks. Of course, the success rate and recovery time varies based on your individual condition. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation is completely safe and produces no harmful side effects. The equipment used is designed to provide the most effective and comfortable treatment, and has passed rigorous FDA testing.

What is the cost of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation?

While the cost of the treatment sessions is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare, we do ask that you sign a waiver in case your insurer does not cover the cost of your personal sensor.

Copyright © 2001 Erik N. Cohen M.D. and Associates
Last modified: December 02, 2001