|
What is female urology?
The subspecialty of female urology is concerned with the
diagnosis and treatment of those urinary tract disorders most prevalent in females. These include urinary
incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse, voiding dysfunction, recurrent urinary tract infection, urethral
syndrome and interstitial cystitis. Expert evaluation of these conditions includes a complete history and
physical exam. Urodynamics (bladder function test) and imaging studies may be required to fully evaluate
the urinary tracts. Additional bladder studies such as cystoscopy may be necessary. The Department of
Urology at Stony Brook offers a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan for these female urologic
disorders.
What is incontinence?
Incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine. It is further
defined by type as either stress (leakage with straining, coughing, sneezing), urge, mixed, overflow,
functional or reflex incontinence. Treatment is dependent on the type of incontinence. Current therapies
include dietary changes, scheduled voiding, bladder retraining, pelvic muscle exercises, biofeedback,
electrical stimulation therapy, medication, collagen implants and minimally invasive surgery.
What is voiding dysfunction?
Voiding dysfunction can take many forms. The main
symptoms are urinary frequency, urgency, painful urination and/or incomplete bladder emptying. Treatment
is aimed at decreasing or eliminating symptoms. Treatment may involve medications or pelvic floor relaxation
exercises.
What is a recurrent urinary tract infection?
A recurrent urinary tract infection
(UTI) may be generally defined as three or more infections within one year. This may be idiopathic
(no obvious cause or related to a urologic disorder such as stones, tumor, reflux (urine flows backwards
toward the kidney) or ineffective bladder emptying. Treatment is aimed at identifying the cause and/or
proper antibiotic therapy to break the cycle of recurrent infection.
What is urethral syndrome?
Urethral syndrome is a condition involving pain at
the urethra that can occur during urination or without regard to urination. Treatment may consist
of oral medication or local estrogen replacement therapy. Urethral syndrome may exist as a component
of interstitial cystitis.
What is interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a urologic syndrome
characterized by excessive urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia (nighttime urination) and pain in
the lower abdomen and/or perineum. It can occur at any age, however, the median age at diagnosis is
between 42 and 46 years. The cause of IC is unclear. It is believed to be related to irregularities
in the bladder lining and/or an allergic/immune response. IC can severely affect an individual's quality
of life. Promising developments in the treatment of IC include medications, such as Elmiron, which
works to restore the normal function of the bladder lining. Other drugs with calming effects on the
bladder may also be helpful. Bladder instillations with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have achieved variable
success. Hydrodistention of the bladder under anesthesia is a common therapeutic and diagnostic
procedure. In the most severe cases, surgery including denervation, urinary diversion and augmentation
cytoplasty may be performed. All of these evaluation and treatment options are available at the
Urology Department of Stony Brook.
|
