Hospital launches “Uro-Gyne Clinic” on Women's Day

• 1 in 5 women over the age of 40 have some degree of urinary incontinence.
• Childbirth and menopause make incontinence more likely.

March 6, 2014, Dubai, UAE……………On the occasion of International Women’s Day, RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah has taken this fantastic initiative and launched a special “Uro-Gyne Clinic” to address critical issues relating to bladder Control problems, pelvic floor prolapse and dysfunction and other similar issues faced by women. The specialized team will focus on working with women by helping them overcome debilitating and sometimes embarrassing conditions.

Urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time. If urinary incontinence affects your day-to-day activities, don't hesitate to see your doctor. In most cases, simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment can ease your discomfort or stop urinary incontinence.

“Urinary incontinence is more common among women than men. 10% to 30% of women/girls aged 15-64 years are thought to suffer from it, compared to between 1.5% and 5% of men. It is estimated that 20% of all women over the age of 40 are affected by urinary incontinence. It is likely that the true number of women affected is much higher. Many do not tell their doctor about their incontinence, due to embarrassment. Some wrongly think that incontinence is a normal part of ageing or that it cannot be treated. This is unfortunate, as many cases can be successfully treated or significantly improved. If you're one of the many women who experience bladder control problems, don't let embarrassment keep you from getting the help you need”, said Dr. Dinanath Thakur, Consultant and HOD, RAK Hospital.

Urinary incontinence (UI) in women facts:
• The definition of urinary incontinence in women is the unintentional loss of urine.
• Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause may contribute to urinary incontinence in women.
• Weak bladder muscles, overactive bladder muscles, and nerve damage may also cause urinary incontinence.
• There are different types of urinary incontinence in women, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, functional incontinence,   overflow incontinence, mixed incontinence, and transient incontinence.
• Diagnosis of urinary incontinence in women may involve a physical exam, an ultrasound, urodynamic testing, and tests including cystoscopy, urinalysis, and a bladder stress test. The doctor will also take a medical history and may recommend keeping a bladder diary.
• Treatment of urinary incontinence in women may include behavioral or non pharmacologic treatments, like bladder training and Kegel exercises, medication, biofeedback, neuromodulation, surgery, catheterization, or a combination of these therapies.

Points to remember
• Urinary incontinence is common in women.
• All types of urinary incontinence are treatable.
• Incontinence is treatable at all ages.
• You need not be embarrassed by incontinence.

“Our doctors, physician assistants and physical therapists spend the required time with the patients to help them understand the complex causes of their conditions.  These assessments include a detailed patient history, a physical examination and advanced diagnostic testing.  In most cases, women are evaluated in a single visit and sent home with a treatment plan. The clinic aims to offer non-surgical treatments, including medications, pelvic exercises, biofeedback, electric stimulation, behavioral and dietary modifications etc.  When symptoms continue to interfere with daily activities, vaginal, abdominal or laparoscopic surgery may be necessary, commented Dr. Talat Masroor, Consultant and HOD, Gynecology, RAK Hospital.