Q


What causes incontinence?


A Sumana Koduri, MD


Medical College of Wisconsin Urogynecologist


Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Urogynecology Clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital


Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of urine due to problems with muscles and nerves that help to hold or release urine.


Stress incontinence occurs more in younger women of childbearing age when the patient sneezes, coughs, laughs or does any activity causing stress to the bladder.


With urge incontinence, the constant urge to urinate is caused when the bladder is not supporting as much of the urine as it should. Commonly experienced by older women, it is caused by a lack of estrogen and other medical complications.


Incontinence, which also affects men, impacts quality of life as much as other chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and depression. Contributing factors include childbirth, chronic diseases, medications, heavy lifting and constipation.


Fortunately, there are several non-surgical methods to address incontinence, including: • Pelvic floor exercises, particularly for younger women • Medications • Devices that can be placed inside the vagina to hold the urethra in place


Urethral sling surgery to lift the urethra back into a normal position is another treatment option.


Leakage that is not being addressed with simple measures, such as taking medication, deserves an evaluation. Women should see their primary care physician and then a urologist or urogynecologist and physical therapist if recommended. Men should see their primary care physician or urologist.


Dr. Koduri is a member of the Froedtert & Te Medical College of Wisconsin’s multidisciplinary Women’s Incontinence and Sexual Health (WISH) Program. To make an appointment with Dr. Koduri, call the Urogynecology Clinic at 262-836-7300.


PREVENTION, DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS Adult vaccines can halt serious diseases


Are you protected from pneumonia, tetanus and shingles? Several important vaccines offer a first line of defense and are readily available:


PNEUMONIA This serious respiratory infection is the leading cause of vaccine- preventable illness and death in the United States. One in five people die from untreated pneumonia.


SHINGLES After causing chicken pox, the virus then lies dormant in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, it reactivates as shingles with a very painful rash.


WHAT?


Vaccines to combat a variety of serious illnesses


WHO?


PNEUMONIA VACCINE – Young children and adults over 65 SHINGLES VACCINE – 1 dose, recommended for anyone over age 60


TETANUS / TD VACCINE – Adults over 19, one every 10 years. A parent or grandparent who is around an infant also needs the Tdap booster to prevent whooping cough.


HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) VACCINE – Females ages 18-26 (and may be given to girls as young as 9) FLU VACCINE – Children over 6 months and every adult annually in the fall


TD (TETANUS AND DIPTHERIA) Present in the soil, the tetanus bacteria usually enters the body through a puncture wound. It causes painful muscle spasms that can lock the jaw, preventing opening of the mouth and swallowing.


HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) HPV can cause cervical cancer and is contracted


through sexual contact. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women around the world.


Julie Parve, DNP, FNP-BC


INFLUENZA (FLU) Children older than six months and all adults should get this vaccine every year in the fall.


WHERE?


Vaccines are available through your primary care provider. Talk with him or her about any questions or concerns you may have about adult vaccines.


To make an appointment with Froedtert Health Medical Group family nurse practitioner Julie Parve, call the Froedtert Health Kewaskum Clinic at 262-626-4616.


Healthy Living 13


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