Incontinence

MedVital Wellness Center

Harold Lawler III, MD

Regenerative Medicine Specialist located in Sarasota, FL & Kissimmee, FL

Incontinence is more common than you may think, affecting an estimated quarter to a third of Americans. For those living in and around Kissimmee and Sarasota, Florida, help is available through the care of MedVital Wellness Center. There’s no need to live with the embarrassment and disruption of urinary or bowel incontinence when there are safe and effective treatments available. Book your visit today to get started. Online scheduling is one option, or you can always call or stop by either office to set up a visit.

Incontinence Q & A

What is incontinence?

Simply put, incontinence is an inability to hold urine or fecal matter inside the body until you can get to a bathroom. Urinary and fecal incontinence share some elements in common but have distinct causes and treatment paths.

Urinary incontinence can be caused by:

Urinary tract infection
Pregnancy and childbirth
Hysterectomy
Menopause
Prostate problems
Being overweight or obese
Certain medications or medical conditions

Fecal incontinence, also called bowel incontinence, can be caused by:

Constipation or diarrhea
Hemorrhoids
Nerve damage
Muscle damage
Rectal prolapse
Certain surgical procedures

The first step in treating incontinence is determining the cause.

How is incontinence diagnosed?

The diagnostic process begins with a thorough physical examination and a review of your personal and family health history. It’s critical to share details of any current or past medical issues you’ve faced, as well as medications or supplements you’re taking.

Based on the information gathered, your practitioner will determine the need for any additional screening. Blood tests and other lab work can provide deeper insight into your body’s function. An ultrasound or other imaging may be needed to rule out certain causal factors.

Once a diagnosis is reached, your practitioner develops a customized treatment plan to improve your bladder or bowel control and restore your quality of life.

What is IBS?

IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, a common and chronic health issue that affects your large intestine. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and might include a combination of:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Gas
Cramping
Diarrhea
Constipation
Mucus in your stool

It’s important to seek treatment for IBS, as the condition can impact your ability to get the nutrients you need to thrive. It’s also critical to determine the source of these types of symptoms, which could indicate a more serious health problem including cancer.

An imbalance of your gut microbiome, intestinal inflammation, nerve damage, infection, or abnormal muscle contractions in your large intestine may cause your IBS.

Treatments can help, and lifestyle modifications are among the most powerful tools in fighting IBS. Your practitioner can work with you to devise a customized treatment plan and teach you how to shape your diet around your unique digestive needs. Medications can also help control nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, mood disruptions, and diarrhea or constipation.

Don’t accept incontinence or digestive problems as inevitable. Schedule your visit at MedVital Wellness Center online or by phone to begin exploring solutions.

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