It is estimated that over 35 million Americans suffer from some form of bladder problem. Of those who suffer, women are twice as likely to experience incontinence as their male counterparts, in fact, 30-70 percent of perimenopausal and menopausal women experience some symptoms of urinary incontinence.
The severity ranges from an occasional leaking of urine when you sneeze, giggle or run to a sudden and strong urge that does not provide adequate time to get to a restroom. Sufferers are often embarrassed and may feel as if they are held hostage by their bladders. Subsequently, thousands of people cope with this disorder by restricting or altering their daily routine.
It is not uncommon to hear a patient say that they thought it was just a normal part of the aging process or a side effect of giving birth. Neither is necessarily true. While it does happen more frequently as we age and manifests during pregnancy, after birth or following a hysterectomy, the good news is that leakage and bladder problems are not just a fact of life.
Liz Smedley, our Nurse Practitioner and I will be hosting the next Red Hot Mamas seminar on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. The seminar, “bladder and urinary concerns at menopause,” will cover common urological disorders that affect women, treatment options and how you can help yourself.
The Red Hot Mamas seminars are always free and open to the public. Grab a girlfriend or two and come find out more about this unique time in a woman’s life. The seminar is in the Pebble Creek Room at Portneuf. Doors open at 6pm; the presentation begins at 6:30. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve a seat, visit portmed.org/rhm or call 208-239-1048. To learn more about PMC’s upcoming seminars including Red Hot Mamas, be sure to like Portneuf Medical Center on Facebook.
If leakage or other urinary concerns are causing you to withdraw from social interactions or if you are experiencing more than very occasional episodes of incontinence, consult your doctor. While it can be uncomfortable discussing urinary problems, bear in mind that there are several important reasons for seeking medical advice. Overactive bladder may indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. Liz Smedley, NP is specifically trained in urological conditions affecting women and is currently taking new patients.
Portneuf Urology Clinic provides a full range of urological care including management of stone disease, incontinence, urinary infections, prostatic enlargement, cancers of the genitourinary system, impotence and infertility.
To reach our office or to schedule an appointment, call 208-239-2770.
Red Hot Mamas