UR Medicine Hosts Bladder Health Information Event November 15

In recognition of November as National Bladder Health Awareness Month, and UR Medicine Adult Pelvic Health and Continence Care will host a free educational event on bladder health for women and men, 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester. The talk will focus on causes, symptoms and treatments for a range of bladder issues, including one of the most common health problems women will face in their lifetimes: urinary incontinence (UI).

As many as 45 percent of women have some degree of UI, and for women older than 60, up to 39 percent say they experience the problem daily. Men also struggle with urinary incontinence and the problem increases as men age and their risk of prostate conditions rises. UI often occurs as a result of surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Fortunately, there are many treatments that can improve or completely resolve UI issues for women and men. To raise awareness of the treatments available, UR Medicine physicians and nurse practitioners who specialize in urinary incontinence will present information and answer questions on how to maintain or regain bladder health.

“Many women and men suffer needlessly with bladder problems that often respond very well to treatment,” said Paula J. Doyle M.D., Assistant Professor of OB/GYN and Urology at University of Rochester Medical Center. “We want to provide information on the wide variety of treatments available – which range from easy-to-adopt lifestyle and diet changes, to minimally invasive treatments, to surgical intervention.”

The program will include a look at how advanced technologies are giving patients more treatment options and improved results. Examples include:

·        Botox injections delivered directly to the inside of the bladder to slow down an overactive bladder. These treatments are used for patients where other non-surgical approaches have proved ineffective.

·        Tibial nerve stimulation, a form of electroacupuncture that delivers gentle stimulation to the nerves responsible for bladder and pelvic floor function.

·        Neurosacral nerve stimulation, in which the patient wears an Interstim implant that “corrects” the neurocircuitry in the bladder and pelvis.  

The program is free and light refreshments will be served. To register, call 585.275.4004. Walk-ins are also welcome.