by Deborah Meza
It is rare that I meet a woman who does not feel guilty doing something just for her, especially when there are children to care for, a home to be maintained and bills to pay. However, it’s critical we do not put our health last — routine annual exams with your doctor are not luxuries, but necessities. Health and joy are priceless, and this leads me to a topic some women choose not to discuss often and I hope to change that.
Stress Urinary Incontinence is a frustrating and an embarrassing problem for millions of females. So what is this exactly? If you leak urine when you sneeze, cough, laugh, jump, run, jog or lift something heavy, this is considered Stress Urinary Incontinence, otherwise known as SUI. It will affect your daily life from work and exercise to intimacy and your social life. Not knowing if, when or where you might have an “accident” changes one’s decision to go to an event or just stay home.
Conservative treatments such as pelvic floor muscle therapy (Kegel exercises) often fail because of a patient’s lack of compliance, but when combined with laser treatment, the outcome is wonderful! Surgical options, although effective, can have adverse effects and are typically a patient’s last resort when all other options have lacked in relief, enhancement or correction. Connective tissue in the vaginal walls is an important factor in pelvic organ support. Weight gain, pregnancies, vaginal childbirths or injury can weaken the muscles and tissue associated with the bladder. Remember, we begin losing collagen in our 20s in the entire body so age also can play a role with SUI. If we don’t stimulate what collagen you have, the only options long term will be surgery.
SUI is the most common form of incontinence, but when you have the need to urinate and can’t make it to the bathroom in time, this is called Urge Incontinence. In this case you may leak large amounts of urine with this type of incontinence, and in social situations, women with both forms must always be aware of where bathrooms are and ease of access.
Overactive bladder is the sudden, frequent need to urinate. Instead of leaking, the problem for these women is they often have to stop what they are doing to go to the bathroom. Incontinence can be a burden to those experiencing this medical condition. Research shows women with incontinence have a less active sex life and a higher level of depression than women with healthy bladders.
The good news is women no longer have to accept this inconvenience because it can be managed or reversed. Products like panty liners, pads, adult diapers or plastic coated underwear can help one feel more comfortable and confident in public. Medications, injections (Botox), lasers or surgery are used to help control incontinence. No one wants wet clothes in public and there are so many options available to help avoid this situation.
Getting an annual exam and discussing this topic with your doctor will assist in guiding you to what form of treatment is best for you. The first step is to see your doctor or seek out a doctor for a proper diagnosis of the type of incontinence you have (medical tests and an exam will be conducted and your medical history will be collected).
More doctors are recommending Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation for atrophy, painful sex, vaginal dryness, burning and recurrent yeast infections due to dryness and women who are contraindicated for hormone replacement therapy.
Laser treatments also are an exciting option for pre- and postmenopausal women with incontinence. It’s effective, safe, non-invasive, painless, no medications or anesthesia is needed, and there is zero to minimal down time. Ninety-four percent of women report improvement after 120 days, and on average, 68 percent and more report to be free of SUI symptoms.
Each laser is unique and will treat differently, but the goal for lasers that treat incontinence is Collagen NeoGenesis, which is the shrinking and tightening of the vaginal mucosa tissue. Collagen rich endopelvic facia will provide greater support to the bladder, less leakage and aid in the return of normal continence function. It also provides enhanced lubrication, more comfortable intercourse and stronger orgasm due to the tightening/rejuvenation of the vaginal tissue.
Talk to your doctor and he/she will guide you to see if you are a candidate for laser treatment. Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation does not have a CPT billing code as of yet and is not covered by insurance. Financing options are available at many clinics and some clinics accept payment plans. Ask these questions when meeting with your doctor or laser technician.
Please do not be embarrassed about your symptoms. Help is a phone call away. Lose the guilt of taking care of you because without happy, healthy women, where would we be?
Deborah Meza is a medical aesthetician, laser technician, massage therapist #187 and Ideal Protein coach at the Woman’s Clinic, 4577 13th St., Gulfport, MS 39501; (228) 341-7879 laser, skincare and massage; (228) 864-2752 clinic; Woman’s Clinic, 2781 C.T. Switzer Sr. Drive, Biloxi, MS; (228) 388-4816.