Urinary Retention

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
physical and emotional impact of stress urinary incontinence

Patients who visit Dr. Gandhi’s practice and complain of the inability to urinate may be experiencing a condition called ischuria, also known as urinary retention. Urinary retention is a problematic condition that can develop due to: Nerve dysfunction Spinal cord conditions Medications Infection of the urinary tract Chronic constipation Patients with urinary retention may find that it is difficult to start the urinary flow. They may notice that when the flow begins, it is intermittent or that they must strain in an attempt to fully void the bladder of urine. If a patient is unable to urinate at all, this … Continue reading

Cystoscopy

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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When patients visit Dr. Gandhi with urinary problems, he may suggest patients undergo a cystoscopy. This diagnostic test allows him to determine problems within the urinary tract visually. A thin instrument with a small light called a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and into the bladder. This allows Dr. Gandhi to look inside the organs and see problems that cannot be seen with x-rays and other diagnostic tests. The cystoscope can assist in removing tissue or urine samples from inside the body for further testing and analysis. Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology may suggest … Continue reading

Interstitial Cystitis

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
Interstitial Cystitis Treatment Mona Lisa Touch in Lake Forest from Dr. Sanjay Gandhi

What is IC? IC, which is short for “Interstitial Cystitis,” is a condition that leads to chronic inflammation of the bladder. This can be painful and causes pressure above the pubic area. The inflammation occurs on the lining of the bladder, which results in swelling of the pelvic organ. What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis? Patients with IC may experience some of the following signs and symptoms: Urgent need to urinate Chronic pain and discomfort in the pelvic area Excessive urination of small amounts Night-time urination Painful sexual intercourse These symptoms are common to those of a bladder infection … Continue reading

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
Stress urinary incontinence

A common condition that Dr. Gandhi sees in his practice is that of stress urinary incontinence. This urogynecological condition causes a patient to leak urine when there is contraction caused by activities such as exercise, coughing, laughing, or sneezing. This is due to a lack of control by the pelvic muscles that support the urethra and bladder, and can be caused due to childbirth, medications, surgery, or injury to the area. Stress urinary incontinence, also known as SUI, is the most common form of incontinence in women. Those with pelvic organ prolapse, or who have had one or more vaginal … Continue reading

Urgency Urinary Incontinence

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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Urge incontinence is a symptom of overactive bladder. The onset of urge incontinence should be evaluated as it can be caused by a bladder infection, bladder stones, bladder tumor, or cancer. Abnormal bladder contractions caused by strong sphincter muscles that contract and cause the involuntary leakage of urine. Typically, the signs of this condition are an indication that there may be another underlying problem occurring, and should be evaluated by a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of urge urinary incontinence are easy to spot. This includes a sudden intense need to urinate with involuntary loss of urine. … Continue reading

Getting Up at Night to Urinate (Nocturia)

Posted By Dr. Gandhi

It is common for an individual to get up at night to go to the bathroom. However, if it happens every night at least twice and disrupts sleep, it may be a condition called nocturia. Nocturia can happen at any age, but is most common in individuals over the age of 60. Nocturia is caused by an overproduction of urine. Nocturnal polyuria is the cause of high urine volume at night, while global polyuria causes both daytime and nighttime overproduction of urine. Getting up at night to urinate regularly can be caused by menopause, previous childbirths, and pelvic organ prolapse … Continue reading

Urodynamics

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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Urodynamics is a test to better understand how your bladder functions. This test gives specific information relating to how your bladder muscles store and eliminate urine. It is important to know how your bladder functions to determine the best treatment for your symptoms. This testing may be suggested by Dr. Gandhi if you are experiencing problems including: Inability to begin urination Inability to fully empty the bladder Recurring bladder infections Pain with urination Frequent urination Leakage of urine (incontinence) Strong, sudden urge to urinate Urodynamics is a diagnostic test that offers extensive, valuable information to Dr. Gandhi for a thorough … Continue reading

Pessary

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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Overactive bladder and pelvic prolapse are conditions that many women deal with but are afraid to discuss with their doctor. Dr. Gandhi, of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology, understands that many women are hesitant to share their urinary problems and conditions, but ensures his patients that there are ways to address the problems that are discreet and effective. One method available to help patients with pelvic prolapse and overactive bladder is using vaginal pessaries. A pessary is a device used in the vagina to support the pelvic organs. They are removable, and are made of a wide variety … Continue reading

Pelvic Rehabilitation

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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The body is your temple. It should be taken care of, respected, and rejoiced. However, when patients come to Dr. Gandhi and are experiencing problems such as pain and discomfort from the pelvic area, they may be less than thrilled with the way their body is behaving. Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology sympathizes with women who deal with a variety of pelvic problems including prolapse and incontinence. One way that patients can address these concerns without medication or surgery is with pelvic rehabilitation. Pelvic rehabilitation is a more natural, homeopathic method used to address problems … Continue reading

Kegels

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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The muscles of the pelvic floor must be strong in order to function at their best. When these muscles are weakened, they can result in pelvic floor weakness. This can increase one’s risk for pelvic floor prolapse and urinary incontinence. These conditions can be addressed by working the muscles and improving their strength, allowing them to function at their best. Dr. Gandhi often suggests patients of all ages improve their vaginal muscle strength by regularly performing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are done by tightening and contracting muscles of the pelvic floor. These same muscles are used to stop and start … Continue reading

Tibial Nerve Stimulation

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation, which is also referred to as PTNS treatment, is a method of addressing an overactive bladder or detrusor overactivity. Patients who have symptoms of an overactive bladder such as frequent urination and urge incontinence may have tried other methods of treating the problem with no success. This may include attempts at behavior modification, medication, and muscle strengthening exercises. Before surgery is seriously considered by both doctor and patient, Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation may be suggested by the team at Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology. This treatment utilizes a nerve that runs along the leg … Continue reading

Electrical Stimulation

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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Patients suffering from weak pelvic floor muscles that may contribute to urinary or fecal incontinence may benefit greatly from pelvic electrical stimulation therapy. This non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option helps to activate the muscles and the nerves of the pelvic floor. This treatment can be used to prevent bladder muscle contractions that occur in urge urinary incontinence or to reduce pain in the pelvic area. This treatment is activated through electrical stimulation from adhesive pads placed near the pelvic floor or through a tampon-like device inserted into the vagina. The electrical stimulation guides patients to contract the correct muscle to strengthen … Continue reading

Botox

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
Vaginal Botox Park City IL - Lake Forest - Leaky Bladder

Although many patients may associate Botox with injections used to reduce lines and wrinkles on the face, Botox can be used for a number of other conditions including an overactive bladder or detrusor overactivity. Botox is FDA-approved for use in the bladder to relax the bladder muscle and treat urinary incontinence. Botox is a medication that can be injected into muscles to relax them. This medication is often used for cosmetic purposes, addressing wrinkles between the eyebrows. This reduces the contraction of the muscles during frowning, thus reducing the folds that occur on the face. The same is true for … Continue reading

Incontinence

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
ladder control liners a suitable treatment for urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is defined as the loss of urine without control. Urinary incontinence is common and is an understandably embarrassing problem. Although many women are told that it is a normal part of getting old, urinary incontinence is not a normal part of aging. The severity of symptoms varies from loss of drops of urine occasionally, not requiring protective undergarments (pads or liners) to multiple large volume leaks requiring heavy protective underwear. There are many treatments available to treat bladder leakage that can change your life. Medical research has shown that it can be beneficial for doctors to evaluate a … Continue reading

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Posted By Dr. Gandhi
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Vaginal Rejuvenation Vaginal rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure and reconstructive surgery in which the vaginal canal, its mucous membrane, and its vulvovaginal structures are reconstructed. This may be needed because the structures are damaged or absent due to congenital disease or due to some type of acquired cause. In many cases, pelvic relaxation due to childbirth or other types of trauma maybe the culprit that inspires women to have the surgery completed. While the procedure is relatively safe, the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure should be considered thoroughly before pursuing this option. Types of Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures in vaginal … Continue reading