http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/ Florida Bladder Institute - 239-449-7979 - News Florida Bladder Institute - 239-449-7979 - News Copyright © 2011-2024 Florida Bladder Institute en-us http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/rapid-uti-testing/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/rapid-uti-testing/ Rapid UTI testing <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id364"><h2 class="item_title">UTI results within 24 hours is now available</h2> <p>If you are suffering with chronic UTIs or bladder infections, our team at the Florida Bladder Institute will develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment protocol for the prevention of these UTIs. As of July 22, 2024 we have in-office technology that allows for same day or next day results of urinary infectious organisms and antibiotic resistance. We can usually get you the results of your "urine culture" within 18-24 hours. This rapid turnaround time for results is unique in the southern Florida area, and we are proud of it. Your discomfort and antibiotic mistreatments will be minimized or eliminated with the use of this new PCR technology. Though we are not an Urgent Care Clinic and not available on the weekends, we are happy to help you make an appointment to determine the root causes of your UTIs and better your life with treatment and prevention.</p></div></div> Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:37:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/how-common-are-female-urinary-control-problems-take-the-bladder-control-quiz/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/how-common-are-female-urinary-control-problems-take-the-bladder-control-quiz/ How Common are Female Urinary Control Problems? -Take the Bladder Control Quiz <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id295"><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG –</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Millions of people are affected by the loss of bladder control. Bladder control issues are not a normal part of life and they are not something you just have to live with.&#160; Of the over 33 million people in the United States that suffer from overactive bladder many of them do not seek help.&#160; Take control of your pelvic health and complete this short quiz to see if it’s time to reach out for help.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, come talk to us about your symptoms and available treatment options. Once you start talking it becomes easier.&#160;&#160; We are used to talking about sensitive issues and will help you become comfortable with the subject.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Treatment options<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Diet Modification&#160; — Some people find that certain foods and drinks cause them to go to the bathroom more frequently. This includes drinks with caffeine (including soda), alcohol, spicy foods, acidic foods or beverages, and artificial sweeteners. Try temporarily eliminating one or more of these items to see if it reduces your symptoms.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Pelvic muscle exercises — Also known as Kegel exercises, strengthen the muscles involved in controlling&#160; urine leakage. Practicing these exercises on a regular basis may help to reduce urine leakage caused by stress incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bladder training — Bladder training can help you learn to go to the bathroom less frequently by “retraining” your bladder to hold more urine.&#160; Bladder training has two components: going to the bathroom on a schedule while you are awake and using strategies to control sudden urges.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Prevent constipation — Constipation can worsen urinary frequency and urgency. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet to between 20 and 30 grams per day can help prevent constipation.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Medications — In some people, urgency incontinence is more severe and a medicine is needed to get symptoms under control. Medications should be combined with bladder training. Some people take medicine temporarily, until symptoms improve, while others take medication indefinitely. It is important to continue doing bladder training, even if you are taking a medication.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Botox — Botulinum toxin A, also known as Botox, is a toxin produced by a bacteria that temporarily paralyzes muscles. Botox injections into the bladder are an effective treatment for urgency incontinence when people haven’t responded to medicine.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Electric stimulation — Office electrical stimulation involves placing a hair-thin needle into a nerve near the ankle. This nerve is connected to nerves in the lower back that affect your bladder. The needle is connected to a small device that sends electrical pulses to the nerve. The treatment is not painful. It is performed in the office once per week for six to twelve weeks.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Vaginal pessaries — A vaginal pessary is a flexible device made of silicone that can be worn in the vagina. A pessary can help to reduce or eliminate stress incontinence. A pessary is a reasonable treatment if you want to delay or avoid surgery. When fit properly, you will not feel any discomfort.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Surgically implanted stimulator — A sacral nerve stimulator (SNS) is a device, about the size of a pacemaker, which can be surgically implanted. The device is placed under the skin in the upper buttock, and is connected with wires to a nerve (the sacral nerve) in the lower back.&#160; The device sends electrical pulses to the sacral nerve. SNS therapy has helped many patients who have not responded to more conventional treatments.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Surgical treatments — Surgery offers the highest cure rate of any treatment for stress urinary incontinence.&#160; There are different procedures available to treat your particular symptoms.&#160; Each procedure has different benefits and risks.&#160; These options will be thoroughly explained to help you decide what is best for you.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Take action to determine what treatment option is right for you.&#160; Together, we'll be able to resolve your urinary control problem and return you to the freedom you deserve.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><div class="alignLeft"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/159_quizBladder%20FBI.png" border="0" alt="" width="640" height="378"/></div></div></div> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 15:01:00 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/woman-s-overactive-bladder-control/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/woman-s-overactive-bladder-control/ Woman’s Overactive Bladder Control <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id263"><h1 class="post-title entry-title" style="padding: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; font-family: BebasNeueRegular, arial, Georgia, serif; font-size: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-align: justify;"></h1><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">To those who experience it, an overactive bladder can be very frustrating. In fact, it is a disability to feel that you need to find a restroom constantly throughout the day. Frequent and, sometimes, uncontrollable urination is embarrassing and complicates an already complicated world. The impact it can have socially, mentally, and physically can be stressful and exhausting. It is more prevalent in women and affects 15-18% of women. Women who have an overactive bladder can need a restroom eight or more times a day. This also includes waking up several times at night. Luckily, there are ways to help treat the symptoms and keep that uncomfortable feeling at bay.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">When the bladder is full, a signal is sent to your brain to inform you that it needs to be emptied. To urinate, you simply contract the bladder and the urine is released. In the overactive bladder, the muscles contract without any warning; even when the bladder isn’t full. There are different theories as to the cause of this disorder, but generally its presence seems to increase with age. Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s are also thought to be contributing factors; as well as spinal cord injuries and strokes.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">The constant anxiety that comes with having an overactive bladder is caused by the uncertainty of unexpected leakage. This in turn can affect a sufferer’s social life, home life, and work options. One of the less talked about complications involves the patient’s sex life. Discussing this condition with others can be difficult; let alone, how it may impact intimacy. Incontinence can leave a woman ashamed and worried about sexual encounters. Having an open conversation with your significant other can be difficult at first, but is necessary to maintain a healthy relationship.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Obviously, it is important to look at all of your options and surgery should be the last resort. Bladder exercises can be an effective way to decrease symptoms. Training that helps strengthen your core and pelvic muscles like “kegels” are a great start. Begin slowly and then build up the amount of time devoted to these exercises.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Many find that there are improvements in bladder control after only three to six weeks.&#160; Avoiding diuretics like caffeine is imperative; it might be time to start drinking decaf coffee or tea. Try to stay away from spicy foods, alcohol intake, and citric juices.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">When it comes to Botox, you might think of the television show Real Housewives of Atlanta or Nicole Kidman’s forehead; however, one of its lesser known uses is to help control an overactive bladder. It is actually very effective and has been approved by the FDA to control urinary incontinence. Botox is injected into the bladder and works by relaxing and limiting its ability to contract uncontrollably. One small injection can last up to 12 months. This newer method for controlling Urinary Incontinence is growing in popularity and proving to be quite successful in treating urinary frequency, urgency and bladder pain also.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Another treatment for an overactive bladder is something called the Axonics, the latest technology for a treatment involving the sacral nerves that innervate the bladder. This technology send electrical impulses to the bladder and bowel nerve, and just like a pacemaker for the heart, it tells the muscle to work harder or softer, longer or shorter, etc. It is intended to help people control their annoying urinary frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, and even urinary retention. It has an amazing effectiveness of &gt;94% in the people who try it.&#160;</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Joseph Gauta M.D.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Board Certified Urogynecologist</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. He nows trains other highly-skilled surgeons on advanced procedures for companies like Laborie and Coloplast. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 14:52:50 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/pelvic-organ-prolapse/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/pelvic-organ-prolapse/ Pelvic Organ Prolapse <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id270"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG -</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://swfhealthandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Pelvic-Organ-Prolapse.jpg" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(34, 108, 243); text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;"></a>Until recently, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was rarely addressed, because women were reluctant to discuss the embarrassing symptoms. Because of our increasing life expectancy, POP has become one of the most common disorders women will face in their lifetimes. Today, many gynecologists and primary care physicians routinely screen women for symptoms, and the surgical specialty of urogynecology has arisen to treat pelvic organ prolapse and the incontinence that often accompanies this problem.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Pelvic organ prolapse is a term used to describe the dropping of a pelvic organ through or out of the vagina.&#160; Pelvic organs include the bladder and urethra, the rectum and anus, and of course the uterus and vagina itself.&#160; Pelvic organ prolapse is an unfortunately common problem, with childbirth, age, menopause, and hysterectomy being the most common causes and smoking, chronic coughing or heavy lifting, chronic constipation, diabetes, and obesity being common risk factors.&#160; With our aging population, POP is expected to affect half of all women and 1 in every 8 will undergo surgical treatment to correct prolapse.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Think of the vagina as though it were an empty pillowcase that can turn inside out in the wash.&#160; Prolapse is like the pillow case trying to turn inside out because the support structures of the vagina and pelvis have weakened and are not holding the tissues and organs in place anymore.&#160; Anything that can stretch or break these support structures (ligaments and muscles) can cause POP.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Symptoms -&#160;&#160; Sometimes a patient doesn’t even know she has prolapse until her doctor points it out during her exam.&#160; However, many patients experience discomfort with a range of symptoms, including:</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Pain and Pressure: lower back discomfort or pressure sensation in the vagina that gets worse by the end of the day or during bowel movements.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Urinary Symptoms:&#160;</strong>&#160;urinary frequency, stress incontinence or difficulty starting to urinate.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" /><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Bowel Symptoms:</strong>&#160;constipation, accidental loss of stool or pressure or pain during bowel movements<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" /><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Sexual Difficulties:&#160;</strong>&#160;pain with intercourse due to irritated vaginal tissue.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" /><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Treatment:</strong>&#160; Women with mild to no symptoms don’t need treatment, but should avoid risk factors that could worsen the problem such as smoking, lifting heavy weight or being overweight.&#160; If you are experiencing major discomfort, POP can be successfully treated using many different modalities, from exercise to medicine to splints (pessaries) to surgery.&#160;&#160; Let’s summarize these treatments.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">• Pelvic Floor Exercises have the advantage of being noninvasive, and in mild cases can help to relieve some symptoms of discomfort or maybe leaking.&#160; Prolapse is not reversed using this treatment.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Medicine, like vaginal estrogen creams, can also alleviate some symptoms, but also do not reverse the prolapse.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Pessaries are excellent in keeping the pillow case (vagina) from turning inside out by taking up space in the vagina like a pillow does in a pillow case.&#160; A pillow case can’t turn inside out if the pillow is in it! Pessaries are great for temporary control of the prolapse or for people who cannot proceed with other treatments.&#160; They can provide permanent relief of the symptoms of prolapse, but must be maintained and cleaned periodically.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Surgery is the treatment for any hernia in the body. With surgery the prolapsed organ will be repositioned and secured to the surrounding tissues and ligaments. When the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks, surgery may be the best choice.&#160; Surgery involves anesthesia and recuperation time, but may be the best long term option.&#160; Many surgeries for POP can be done on an outpatient basis.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">If you’ve been diagnosed with POP understanding your treatment options is extremely important.&#160; All treatments have their advantages and drawbacks, which will be thoroughly discussed with you before decisions are made. Make sure your urogynecologist is Board Certified and has extensive experience in dealing with your specific problem.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Joseph Gauta M.D.</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Board Certified Urogynecologist</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology.&#160; Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology.&#160; One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. Currently, he is a preceptor and trainer for Laborie and Coloplast, teaching highly complex pelvic procedures to other doctors around the world. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:36:53 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/ecoin-study/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/ecoin-study/ eCoin study <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item hasFloatLeft" id="id315"><div class="floatLeft" style="width: 640px;"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/178_valencia-7x4.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="640" height="366"/></div><h2 class="item_title">Long term safety studied for eCoin</h2> <p>The Florida Bladder Institute has completed one year study for safety and efficacy using an implantable device that controls Overactive Bladder symptoms like frequency, urgency or urinary urgency incontinence. The study, sponsored by the manufacturer of the eCoin product Valencia technologies, was completed and was performed at the Florida Bladder Institute and multiple other sites around the country. The device is intended to treat OAB symptoms over a three year period by using electrical stimulation at the site of the tibial nerve near the ankle via a small nickel-sized device. A short procedure in the office using only local anesthetic allows for the implantation of the device. Because of the great results noted in the study presented to the FDA, final approval of the product in the USA has been granted. We will be one of the first offices in the country to start implanting this technology for our patients. More information can be found here:&#160;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/recently-approved-devices/ecoin-peripheral-neurostimulator-p200036" title="eCoin website">wym-1672597586450</a></p></div></div> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:28:03 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/bladder-control-quiz-how-common-are-female-urinary-control-problems/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/bladder-control-quiz-how-common-are-female-urinary-control-problems/ Bladder Control Quiz – How Common are Female Urinary Control Problems? <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id260"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG -</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Millions of people are affected by the loss of bladder control. Bladder control issues are not a normal part of life and they are not something you just have to live with.&#160; Of the over 40 million people in the United States that suffer from overactive bladder many of them do not seek help.&#160; Take control of your pelvic health and complete this short quiz to see if it’s time to reach out for help.</p><p><ul><li>Do you&#160;leak if you cough, laugh, sneeze, walk or exercise?</li><li>Do you leak if you can't make it to the restroom quickly enough?</li><li>Do you urinate more than 7 times per day?</li><li>Do you get up to urinate more than 2 times per night?</li><li>Do you feel like your bladder is still full after your urination?</li><li>Does the sound of running water or&#160;getting your hands wet cause a need for urination?</li><li>Are you ever embarrassed by any your bladder habits or function?</li></ul></p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, consider talking to a Urogynecologist about your symptoms and available treatment options. Once you start talking it becomes easier.&#160;&#160; Your Urogynecologist is used to talking about sensitive issues and will help you become comfortable with the subject.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Treatment options<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Diet Modification&#160; — Some people find that certain foods and drinks cause them to go to the bathroom more frequently. This includes drinks with caffeine (including soda), alcohol, spicy foods, acidic foods or beverages, and artificial sweeteners. Try temporarily eliminating one or more of these items to see if it reduces your symptoms.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Pelvic muscle exercises — Also known as Kegel exercises, strengthen the muscles involved in controlling&#160; urine leakage. Practicing these exercises on a regular basis may help to reduce urine leakage caused by stress incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Bladder training — Bladder training can help you learn to go to the bathroom less frequently by “retraining” your bladder to hold more urine.&#160; Bladder training has two components: going to the bathroom on a schedule while you are awake and using strategies to control sudden urges.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Prevent constipation — Constipation can worsen urinary frequency and urgency. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet to between 20 and 30 grams per day can help prevent constipation.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Medications — In some people, urgency incontinence is more severe and a medicine is needed to get symptoms under control. Medications should be combined with bladder training. Some people take medicine temporarily, until symptoms improve, while others take medication indefinitely. It is important to continue doing bladder training, even if you are taking a medication.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Botox — Botulinum toxin A, also known as Botox, is a toxin produced by a bacteria that temporarily paralyzes muscles. Botox injections into the bladder are an effective treatment for urgency incontinence when people haven’t responded to medicine.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Electric stimulation — Office electrical stimulation involves placing a hair-thin needle into a nerve near the ankle. This nerve is connected to nerves in the lower back that affect your bladder. The needle is connected to a small device that sends electrical pulses to the nerve. The treatment is not painful. It is performed in the office once per week for six to twelve weeks.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Vaginal pessaries — A vaginal pessary is a flexible device made of silicone that can be worn in the vagina. A pessary can help to reduce or eliminate stress incontinence. A pessary is a reasonable treatment if you want to delay or avoid surgery. When fit properly, you will not feel any discomfort.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Surgically implanted stimulator — A sacral nerve stimulator (SNS) is a device, about the size of a pacemaker, which can be surgically implanted. The device is placed under the skin in the upper buttock, and is connected with wires to a nerve (the sacral nerve) in the lower back.&#160; The device sends electrical pulses to the sacral nerve. SNS therapy has helped many patients who have not responded to more conventional treatments.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Surgical treatments — Surgery offers the highest cure rate of any treatment for urinary incontinence.&#160; There are different procedures available to treat your particular symptoms.&#160; Each procedure has different benefits and risks.&#160; These options should be thoroughly explained by your Urogynecologist to decide what is best for you.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Take action and discuss with your doctor what treatment option is right for you.&#160; Together, you’ll be able to resolve your urinary control problem and return to the freedom you deserve.</p></div></div> Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/do-you-suffer-with-fecal-incontinence/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/do-you-suffer-with-fecal-incontinence/ Do you suffer with Fecal Incontinence? <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id351"><p>If you think urinary incontinence is bad enough, imagine having an embarrassing accident from your rear end. This is called anal incontinence or fecal incontinence, and is probably the most embarrassing situation imaginable.</p><p>For people with the inability to control their bowel movements, soiling of their underwear or complete loss of bowel control can become daily events, limiting their lifestyles and social interactions. At the Florida Bladder Institute, we understand. There are lots of great and easy methods of regaining control that start with simple dietary changes and go all the way to simple or complex surgical procedures. Take this quiz.&#160;</p><p><ul><li>Do you sometimes pass gas unexpectedly and without control?</li><li>Have you noticed streaking or soiling of your underwear with feces?</li><li>Have you ever accidentally had a partial or full bowel movement into your pants or underwear?</li><li>Have you ever "not made it" to the restroom when the sudden urge to defecate occurred?</li><li>Have you ever had hard pebbles of stool in your underwear?</li></ul></p><p>If you answered "yes" to any one of these questions, come talk to us and our compassionate and caring staff to determine what is out there to help you minimize or even eliminate this terrible problem from your life. We know that this could be something very difficult to talk about. We understand, and we can help.</p></div></div> Fri, 30 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/augs-and-sufu-position-statement-on-mesh-midurethral-slings-mus-for-stress-urinary-incontinence/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/augs-and-sufu-position-statement-on-mesh-midurethral-slings-mus-for-stress-urinary-incontinence/ AUGS and SUFU Position Statement on Mesh Midurethral Slings (MUS) for Stress Urinary Incontinence <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id294"><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Position Statement on Mesh Midurethral Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">The polypropylene mesh midurethral sling is the recognized worldwide standard of care for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The procedure is safe, effective, and has improved the quality of life for millions of women.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Introduction</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">The purpose of this position statement by the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) is to support the use of the midurethral sling in the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence, the type of urine leakage generally associated with coughing, laughing and sneezing.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Developed in the early 1990’s, midurethral slings (MUS) treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in a minimally invasive, generally outpatient procedure. This technique utilizes a small mesh strip composed of monofilament polypropylene placed through the vagina under the mid-urethra exiting from 2 small sites in either the suprapubic or groin areas.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">SUI is a highly prevalent condition of involuntary urine leakage resulting from faulty closure of the urethra typically associated with coughing, sneezing or exertion. SUI is often a debilitating and bothersome condition that can substantially reduce a woman’s quality of life. Although non-surgical treatments such as pelvic floor exercises and behavioral modification are helpful in alleviating symptoms in some women [1], many proceed with surgery which is a more effective treatment [2].</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">In July 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a white paper [3] and safety communication [4] on the safety and effectiveness of transvaginal placement of surgical mesh specifically for pelvic organ prolapse. In addition, lawyers have publicly advertised their services, targeting women with transvaginal mesh placed for both pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and the media has reported on the pelvic organ prolapse mesh litigation. We are concerned that the multimedia attention has resulted in confusion, fear, and an unbalanced negative perception regarding the midurethral sling as a treatment for SUI. This negative perception of the MUS is not shared by the medical community and the overwhelming majority of women who have been satisfied with their MUS. Furthermore, the FDA website states that: “The safety and effectiveness of multi-incision slings is well-established in clinical trials that followed patients for up to one-year.”[5].</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;"></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Justification for the Position Statement</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">1. Polypropylene material is safe and effective as a surgical implant.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Polypropylene material has been used in most surgical specialties (including general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, transplant surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, gynecology, and urology) for over five decades, in millions of patients in the US and the world (personal communication with manufacturers of polypropylene suture and mesh). As an isolated thread, polypropylene is a widely used and durable suture material employed in a broad range of sizes and applications. As a knitted material, polypropylene mesh is the consensus graft material for augmenting hernia repairs in a number of areas in the human body and has significantly and favorably impacted the field of hernia surgery. [6, 7] As a knitted implant for the surgical treatment of SUI, macroporous, monofilament, light weight polypropylene has demonstrated long term durability, safety, and efficacy up to 17 years [8].</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">2. The monofilament polypropylene mesh MUS is the most extensively studied anti- incontinence procedure in history.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">A broad evidence base including high quality scientific papers in medical journals in the US and the world supports the use of the MUS as a treatment for SUI [9]. There are greater than 2000 publications in the scientific literature describing the MUS in the treatment of SUI. These studies include the highest level of scientific evidence in the peer reviewed scientific literature [9]. The MUS has been studied in virtually all types of patients, with and without comorbidities, and all types of SUI. Multiple randomized, controlled trials comparing types of MUS procedures, as well as comparing the MUS to other established non-mesh SUI procedures, have consistently demonstrated its clinical effectiveness [9-12] and patient satisfaction [12]. Among historical SUI procedures, the MUS has been studied as long in follow-up after implantation as any other procedure and has demonstrated superior safety and efficacy [8]. No other surgical treatment for SUI before or since has been subject to such extensive investigation.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">3. Polypropylene mesh midurethral slings are the standard of care for the surgical treatment of SUI and represent a great advance in the treatment of this condition for our patients.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Since the publication of numerous level one randomized comparative trials, the MUS has become the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of SUI in the US and the developed world. This procedure has essentially replaced open and transvaginal suspension surgeries for uncomplicated SUI. There have been over 100 surgical procedures developed for the management of SUI and there is now adequate evidence that the MUS is associated with less pain, shorter hospitalization, faster return to usual activities, and reduced costs as compared to historic options that have been used to treat SUI over the past century. Full-length midurethral slings, both retropubic and transobturator, have been extensively studied, are safe and effective relative to other treatment options and remain the leading treatment option and current gold standard for stress incontinence surgery [13]. Over 3 million MUS have been placed worldwide and a recent survey indicates that these procedures are used by &gt; 99% of AUGS members [14].</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">4. The FDA has clearly stated that the polypropylene MUS is safe and effective in the treatment of SUI.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">The midurethral sling was not the subject of the 2011 FDA Safety Communication, “Urogynecologic Surgical Mesh: Update on the Safety and Effectiveness of Vaginal Placement for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.”[3]. In this document, it was explicitly stated: “The FDA continues to evaluate the effects of using surgical mesh for the treatment of SUI and will report about that usage at a later date.” In 2013, the FDA website stated clearly that: “The safety and effectiveness of multi-incision slings is well-established in clinical trials that followed patients for up to one-year.” [5].</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">AUGS-SUFU Position Statement on Mesh Midurethral Slings for SUI</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Conclusion</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">The polypropylene midurethral sling has helped millions of women with SUI regain control of their lives by undergoing a simple outpatient procedure that allows them to return to daily life very quickly. With its acknowledged safety and efficacy it has created an environment for a much larger number of women to have access to treatment. In the past, concerns over failure and invasiveness of surgery caused a substantial percent of incontinent women to live without treatment. One of the unintended consequences of this polypropylene mesh controversy has been to keep women from receiving any treatment for SUI. This procedure is probably the most important advancement in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in the last 50 years and has the full support of our organizations which are dedicated to improving the lives of women with urinary incontinence.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Our Organizations</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), founded in 1979, is the premier non-profit organization representing more than 1,700 members including practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, nurses and health care professionals, as well as researchers from many disciplines, all dedicated to treating female pelvic floor disorders (pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence). As the leader in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, AUGS promotes the highest quality patient care through excellence in education, research and advocacy.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">SUFU, the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the art and science of Urology through basic and applied clinical research in urodynamics and neurourology, voiding function and dysfunction, female urology and pelvic floor dysfunction, and to disseminate and teach these concepts. It is the oldest professional organization dedicated to this field consisting of interested physicians, basic scientists, and other health care professionals, and has grown to over 500 members.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Midurethral Sling Task Force</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">This position statement was drafted by members Charles Nager, Paul Tulikangas, and Dennis Miller from AUGS and Eric Rovner and Howard Goldman from SUFU.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">Approved by the AUGS Board of Directors and the SUFU Board of Directors January 3, 2014.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">AUGS-SUFU Position Statement on Mesh Midurethral Slings for SUI</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">References</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">1. Imamura, M., et al., Systematic review and economic modelling of the effectiveness and cost- effectiveness of non-surgical treatments for women with stress urinary incontinence. Health Technol Assess, 2010. 14(40): p. 1-188, iii-iv.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">2. Labrie, J., et al., Surgery versus physiotherapy for stress urinary incontinence. N Engl J Med, 2013. 369(12): p. 1124-33.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">3. FDA, Urogynecologic Surgical Mesh: Update on the Safety and Effectiveness of Vaginal Placement for Pelvic Organ Prolapse. 2011: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/medicaldevices/safety/alertsandnotices/UCM262760.pdf.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">4. FDA, FDA Safety Communication: UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm262435.htm. 2011.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">5. FDA, Considerations about Surgical Mesh for SUI http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/U roGynSurgicalMesh/ucm345219.htm). . 2013.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">6. Cobb, W.S., K.W. Kercher, and B.T. Heniford, The argument for lightweight polypropylene mesh in hernia repair. Surg Innov, 2005. 12(1): p. 63-9.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">7. Scott, N.W., et al., Open mesh versus non-mesh for repair of femoral and inguinal hernia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2002(4): p. CD002197.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">8. Nilsson, C.G., et al., Seventeen years' follow-up of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure for female stress urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J, 2013. 24(8): p. 1265-9.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">9. Ogah, J., J.D. Cody, and L. Rogerson, Minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations for stress urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2009(4): p. CD006375.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">10. Novara, G., et al., Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the comparative data on colposuspensions, pubovaginal slings, and midurethral tapes in the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. Eur Urol, 2010. 58(2): p. 218-38.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">11. Ward, K. and P. Hilton, Prospective multicentre randomised trial of tension-free vaginal tape and colposuspension as primary treatment for stress incontinence. BMJ, 2002. 325(7355): p. 67.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">12. Richter, H.E., et al., Retropubic versus transobturator midurethral slings for stress incontinence. N Engl J Med, 2010. 362(22): p. 2066-76.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">13. Cox, A., S. Herschorn, and L. Lee, Surgical management of female SUI: is there a gold standard? Nat Rev Urol, 2013. 10(2): p. 78-89.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">14. Clemons, J.L., et al., Impact of the 2011 FDA transvaginal mesh safety update on AUGS members' use of synthetic mesh and biologic grafts in pelvic reconstructive surgery. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 2013. 19(4): p. 191-8.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2666666666667em; color: rgb(0, 55, 103); font-size: 15px;">AUGS-SUFU Position Statement on Mesh Midurethral Slings for SUI</p></div></div> Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:06:20 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor-about-pelvic-floor-disorders/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor-about-pelvic-floor-disorders/ Tips for Talking to your Doctor about Pelvic Floor Disorders <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id289"><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It can be difficult to talk about problems such as incontinence or vaginal bulges, even with a doctor. But doctors are used to talking about these problems, and it’s worth asking about your symptoms because they can be treated. Your doctor may refer you to a urogynecologist – an expert in treating these problems – if your doctor thinks a specialist can help. Here are some tips to get the conversation started.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">What should I tell my doctor?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />1. My last pelvic exam was ______ (days, weeks, months, years) ago.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2. I have ______ child(ren) and delivered ______ (vaginally/by cesarean section).</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3. I’m having some or all of the following symptoms:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />. Pain, pressure or a bulge “down there”<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />. Trouble urinating or passing a bowel movement<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />. “Leaking” or needing to use the bathroom often<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />. Pain during urination<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />4. My symptoms started ______ (days, weeks, months, years) ago.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />5. I have these symptoms ______ (daily, a few times a week, sometimes, etc.).<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />6. I want to find ways to treat or cure these symptoms.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Also, be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking and any allergies you may have.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">What should I ask my doctor?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />1. Do you think I have symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />. If so, what kind of pelvic floor disorder(s) do I have?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />2. What is causing my symptoms?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />3. Will my symptoms get better?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />4. What can I do to lessen or end these symptoms?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />5. Do you see a lot of other patients like me?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />6. Do you know of any doctors who specialize in treating my symptoms, such as urogynecologists?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />7. If so, can you refer me to someone you would recommend?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />8. Will you work with the specialist to make sure he or she knows about my medical history?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />9. Can I contact you again to ask your advice after seeing a specialist?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />10. What should I do next?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />11. If I think of more questions later, can I call or e-mail you?</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Joseph Gauta M.D.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Board Certified Urogynecologist</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Mon, 21 Nov 2016 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/the-next-step-in-managing-urinary-incontinence-in-women1/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/the-next-step-in-managing-urinary-incontinence-in-women1/ The Next Step in Managing Urinary Incontinence in Women <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id288"><h3 style="padding: 0px; margin-top: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1em; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Axonics Therapy</h3><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG –</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You see them all the time. Television ads about new medication aimed at treating bladder control issue, urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency problems.&#160; Talking pipes, water balloons, even the symbol from a restroom door now give new hope to the estimated 21 million women who suffer with occasional or chronic urinary incontinence and bladder issues.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG, is a board certified physician and founder of the Florida Bladder Institute, the region’s only Urogynecology practice dedicated to the treatment of bladder and incontinence issues (urinary and fecal) in women. Dr. Gauta explains the positive effects these ads have had on women.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">“These ads have served an important role in helping to remove the stigma and embarrassment associated with incontinence. Because of this, women are becoming less reluctant to raise the topic with their doctor.” He added, “As a result, patients and their doctors are having healthy dialogues about the many treatment options available to them that not only fit their particular lifestyle but help to improve their overall quality of life.”</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">When Medications Don’t Work – Axonics<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Therapy Offers Hope and Control<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />For many women, medications combined with other conservative treatment options such as pelvic floor rehabilitation and biofeedback or Emsella therapy can be quite effective in controlling non-obstructive urinary incontinence and bladder issues. A conservative approach using conventional treatments is always the best first step in the care plan. Botox injections into the bladder are also very effective and are performed in the office, along with an another way of stimulating the bladder nerve called Urgent PC or tibial nerve stimulation.&#160; Both are also very effective alternatives to medications and failed exercises.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For others, there is Axonics Therapy, a proven approach that is highly effective and does not involve the inconvenience and side effects of drug therapy.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">According to Dr. Gauta, “Axonics Therapy is an FDA-approved neurostimulator device that has been used for patients with urinary retention and overactive bladder issues. In our practice, over 90% of patients have seen dramatic improvement in their symptoms.”</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Dr. Gauta explains how the device works, “Most people are familiar with a pacemaker and how the small electrical device provides stimulation to regulate a slow heartbeat. The Axonics device is quite similar in that we place a small stimulation system above the hip and run a small wire the size of a pencil lead alongside the sacral nerve which controls the bladder and anal&#160; function. The Axonics Therapy gently stimulates these nerves to help restore urinary control.”</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Once the device is implanted, the stimulation can easily be adjusted or even deactivated by yourself at home or by your doctor with a simple, in-office programming session.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Axonics Therapy is a proven treatment for overactive bladder and urinary retention issues and is covered by Medicare and many other private insurance companies.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Is Axonics Therapy Right For You?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />If you have tried urinary control medications or other conventional treatments without success, you may be a candidate for the procedure. Dr. Gauta and his team from the Florida Bladder Institute will gather information about previous treatment and conduct several studies to ensure that the right diagnosis is made and that all other treatment options have been utilized to their fullest. If you are found to be a candidate, a test stimulation is conducted that allows you to evaluate how the therapy affects your symptoms. If you get good symptom relief, long-term Axonics Therapy is then considered.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Joseph Gauta M.D.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Board Certified Urogynecologist</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology.&#160; Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology.&#160; One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. Currently he is a preceptor and proctor for Laborie and Coloplast. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Mon, 24 Oct 2016 11:58:59 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/the-next-step-in-managing-urinary-incontinence-in-women/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/the-next-step-in-managing-urinary-incontinence-in-women/ THE NEXT STEP IN MANAGING URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN Mon, 24 Oct 2016 11:48:47 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/facts-and-tips-about-overactive-bladder2/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/facts-and-tips-about-overactive-bladder2/ Facts and Tips About Overactive Bladder <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"> <div class="cms_item hasFloatLeft" id="id284"><div class="floatLeft" style="width: 256px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/download/139/Facts%20and%20Tips%20about%20Overactive%20Bladder%20FBI.pdf"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/139_Facts%20and%20Tips%20about%20Overactive%20Bladder%20FBI.pdf.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="256" height="480"/></a><div class="caption"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/download/139/Facts%20and%20Tips%20about%20Overactive%20Bladder%20FBI.pdf">Facts and Tips About Overactive Bladder</a></div></div></div></div> Fri, 07 Oct 2016 14:59:19 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/link-between-nutrition-and-bladder-control/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/link-between-nutrition-and-bladder-control/ Link Between Nutrition and Bladder Control <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id276"><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you find yourself trying to cope with incontinence, you are undoubtedly always looking for new strategies and ways to make it easier. You are definitely not alone; many Americans have to contend with this problem, and many learn to manage it quite effectively. One thing that most people do not realize is that incontinence and nutrition are very closely linked. Being conscientious about your diet and nutrition can have a dramatic – and positive – impact on your incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">How weight affects incontinence?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Any doctor will tell you that carrying around extra pounds can have a very negative impact on managing incontinence. In fact, obesity has been determined to be a major factor for people suffering from SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence). All that extra weight increases pressure on the abdominal area – and also increases the likelihood and occurrence of incontinence. By shedding even just a small percentage of the pounds, people can drastically reduce the impact that this condition has on their life – in addition to enjoying many other great health benefits associated with losing weight.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">How can diet effect bladder control?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Certain foods and beverages increase instances of incontinence. Caffeine is one of the biggest culprits; doctors recommend consuming no more than 500 mg per day – this is equivalent to five cups of regular strength coffee. Even if you can consume up to 500mg of caffeine per day without experiencing incontinence symptoms, you should reduce intake for other health reasons. People who eliminate caffeine altogether are generally able to manage their incontinence better than those who do not.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Citrus foods and tomato-based foods can also exacerbate incontinence. Even if you take care to use recommended incontinence products and prescriptions, consuming a diet high in these foods can negate any good you are doing. Chocolate and spicy foods have also been shown to contribute to the problem. By eliminating or cutting back on these and other problem foods, you can reduce the symptoms and occurrence of your incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Watch what you eat and drink.</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Although there is no special diet to cure incontinence, there are certain dietary matters you should know about. Certain foods and beverages are thought to contribute to bladder leakage. Their effect on the bladder is not always understood, but you may want to see if eliminating one or all of the irritants listed below improves bladder control.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Common bladder irritants:</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Alcoholic beverages<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Carbonated beverages (with or without caffeine)<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Milk or milk products<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Coffee or tea (even decaffeinated)<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Medicines that contain caffeine<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Citrus juice &amp; fruits<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Tomatoes or tomato-based products<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Highly spiced foods<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Sugar<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Honey<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Chocolate<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Corn syrup<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />• Artificial sweeteners and preservatives</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Fiber and Incontinence</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Constipation can wreak havoc on incontinence, increasing its occurrence and making it even worse. Making sure you consume enough fiber in your daily diet can do wonders for the condition and help keep constipation at bay. At the same time, making sure that you are adequately hydrated throughout the day can also improve your incontinence symptoms. By keeping nutrition in mind, you can live your life freely and manage the condition.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Importance of proper hydration and water intake.</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Water is essential for body functions including digestive, absorption, circulatory and excretory functions, as well as the absorption of water soluble vitamins. Water also is required for the transport of nutrients and waste within our bodies, to make saliva, cushion joints and plays a major role in temperature regulation.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Many people with bladder control problems reduce the amount of liquids they drink in the hope that they will urinate less. This can create highly concentrated, irritating urine, which can make a person have to go to the bathroom more often. This encourages the growth of bacteria, which can lead to infections.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you suffer from incontinence it is important to discuss your diet and medications with your physician.&#160; Often a simple adjustment in what you intake can have a drastic effect on your urinary incontinence problem.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Dr. Gauta</strong>&#160;is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology. One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Wed, 21 Sep 2016 12:00:08 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/know-your-risks-for-pelvic-floor-disorders/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/know-your-risks-for-pelvic-floor-disorders/ Know Your Risks for Pelvic Floor Disorders <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id274"><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG, Board Certified Urogynecologist</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://swfhealthandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Know-Your-Risks-for-Pelvic-Floor-Disorders1.jpg" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;"></a>An achy back, incontinence, and pelvic pain may all have one sneaky cause. And your doctor has probably never mentioned it.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For a condition so hard to diagnose, Pelvic Floor Disorder, PFD, is surprisingly common. By some estimates, it affects one in three American women. Giving birth boosts your chances of developing a pelvic-floor issue by 18 percent if you’ve had one child and 32 percent if you’ve had three or more.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hormonal declines in menopause and loss of muscle mass with age are among other culprits for women. Surgery or an accident (like falling on your hip or tailbone) may play a role, as can obesity. In your 50s and 60s, your PFD risk nearly triples, compared with in your 20s or 30s.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For many patients PFD manifests as pain in the vulva. In others, it presents as a bowel disorder; endometriosis; or bladder, hip, back, or abdominal pain. Often, doctors treat symptoms in the affected organ or joint rather than find the real cause. Sometimes, doctors try to treat just the vulva pain, the constipation, or the hip joints. But when you miss the cause, you can’t really fix the problem.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Knowing the risk factors can decrease your chances of experiencing PFD.</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />Smoking increases your risk. Research links cigarette smoking with UI (urinary incontinence). Plus, the greater the number of cigarettes smoked, the higher your risk.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Maintaining a healthy weight reduces risk of urinary incontinence. Being overweight puts added pressure on your pelvic organs. By losing as little as 5 to 10 pounds, you can help combat PFDs, such as UI. One study found a 47% decrease in UI with as little as an 8% weight lose.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Routine physical activity decreases risk for incontinence. Research shows that ongoing, moderate levels of activity may help reduce the number of episodes of UI.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">High impact sports increase your risk for incontinence. Activities such as jump-roping and intensive weight training may strain the pelvic floor and increase your risk of PFDs.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Keeping diabetes in control helps to reduce risk for UI. Especially for women with diabetes, uncontrolled blood glucose levels can increase the risk for urinary incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">The Path to Real Relief</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" />PFD has gained recognition in the last 20 years and tremendous gains in the treatment have been made.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A unique subspecialty, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery has been created to train physicians specifically on how to treat PFD. &#160;A physician board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine &amp; Reconstructive Surgery is called a Urogynecologist. &#160;The first step to relief is a pelvic-floor exam at your Urogynecologist’s office.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The exam is much like one that would be received from a gynecologist but with more focus on muscle function. &#160;A specialist understands the impact these muscles have on pain. &#160;Less than half of the women who would benefit from a pelvic floor evaluation get one.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Treatments include physical therapy, drugs, biofeedback and surgery. &#160;Your Urogynecologist will be able to recommend the best treatment available based on your individual circumstances.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://swfhealthandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Know-Your-Risks-for-Pelvic-Floor-Disorders.jpg" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;"></a></p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Joseph Gauta M.D.</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box;">Board Certified Urogynecologist</strong></p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology. One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Tue, 06 Sep 2016 15:14:27 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/less-surgery-is-often-more-beneficial-that-is./ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/less-surgery-is-often-more-beneficial-that-is./ LESS Surgery is often more… beneficial, that is. <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item hasFloatLeft" id="id273"><div class="floatLeft" style="width: 300px;"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/137_LESS-Surgery-is-often-more-300x215.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="300" height="215"/></div><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Surgery has to be one of the most frightening experiences anyone can have…except maybe visiting the dentist. All kidding aside, surgery carries a certain apprehension with it. It doesn’t matter if it is an appendectomy, removal of pelvic tumors, hysterectomy, or even vaginal suspension. Compared to their male counterparts, women sometimes have the added concern of scarring. How will I look afterward? Can I wear a bikini again? In the past, it was very obvious if surgery has taken place; scarring was the permanent reminder.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Recently, however, there have been great advances with robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic surgeries in gynecology. At the Florida Bladder Institute, Laparoendoscopic single site surgery is a less invasive surgical option for patients with pelvic issues than is standard laparoscopy or robotics. LESS surgery drastically reduces the number of incisions that are needed. In fact it only requires one incision made through the belly button. Surgical time is also decreased due to lack of need for opening and closing extra incisions. The whole surgery is performed through that one incision. A small camera and light provide the surgeon with imagery to guide them throughout the procedure. The devices vary in their makeup, but all are geared toward the same outcome. Think about crawling behind your television to plug and unplug the wires where only one arm can fit. It is the same concept, but of course with much more precision. The benefits for patients are obvious: there is less pain, faster recovery time, and virtually no visible scar after the healing process. Laparo-endoscopic Single Site (LESS) is the one of the most advanced technologies in the quest for minimally invasive surgical options.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">According to Dr. Gauta, a board certified Urogynecologist by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LESS surgeries are an excellent surgical option for patients. Tremendous advances in instrumentation have made complicated procedures possible using laparoscopic methods. In one study, 57 out of 58 women that had Laparoendoscopic Single Site (LESS) surgery enjoyed no complications. 39 had Adnexal Surgery, which can include surgery on your fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, or ovaries. 19 women had hysterectomies, the complete removal of the uterus. The study provides more evidence that this new advanced procedure is not only safe and effective compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, but with an experienced surgeon it is often the better option.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, women have a greater number of medical issues contained within the abdomen than men do. The last thing any woman should have to worry about is more pain or scarring than is absolutely necessary. Dr. Joseph Gauta is a leading surgeon with years of experience in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. If you have any questions about Laparo-endoscopic Single Site (LESS) surgery or women’s pelvic health issues, you can contact him at (239) 449-7979. His clinic is located at 1890 SW Health Parkway, Suite 205 in Naples.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Joseph Gauta M.D.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Board Certified Urogynecologist</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is solely dedicated to Urogynecology.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Mon, 29 Aug 2016 16:35:20 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/stress-urinary-incontinence-what-is-it/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/stress-urinary-incontinence-what-is-it/ Stress Urinary Incontinence – What is it? <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id271"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) can be stressful and embarrassing. This condition affects women in greater numbers than men.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Stress Incontinence is a condition when physical movement increases pressure on the bladder prompting the unintentional loss of urine. Those who suffer from this disorder have difficulty leading normal lives and can experience frustration and depression as a result.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">In a normal situation, the muscle surrounding the urethra known as a sphincter constricts to contain the urine within the bladder. At the same time, the muscle that makes up the bladder wall relaxes to allow the bladder to expand. When the sphincter is weakened, the ability to control the bladder is impaired. There are many conditions that can lead to the weakening of the&#160; sphincter; these include injuries, surgery, childbirth, or even certain medications. Even smoking has been linked to the increased probability of Stress Urinary Incontinence. Along with respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, the chronic coughing caused by smoking often leads to the weakening of the pelvis area and the sphincter. For sufferers, this uncontrollable urine loss can occur at any time of day. It can happen when you sneeze, laugh too hard, or during a vigorous workout. Unfortunately, even doing activities that seem harmless can cause this incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">What can be done? Well, there is a proven procedure that can drastically reduce the threat of incontinence. It involves the surgical placement of a mid-urethral sling, which is a mesh strip that supports the urethra. Once a urethra has “fallen” out of place, it needs to be lifted back to its original position to relieve any extra pressure. The surgical incision is small and, therefore, reduces the occurrence of unwanted complications.&#160; This polypropylene mesh is not only supported and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but has been the focus of multiple government funded studies. These studies have shown the use of these slings to be efficient, safe, and highly successful. The mid-urethral slings have been used in US for more than 25 years. Dr Gauta has successfully placed nearly 2000 slings in happy patients. Recent attorney TV commercials mistakenly mention slings as a cause of concern, though the success and safety of slings has been proven in long-term studies.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">All of these procedures are able to be done on an outpatient basis. With any surgical procedure, there should not be any vigorous physical activities until the area has had enough time to heal. Some additional suggestions to increase its chances of success include weight loss, pelvic exercises, and the cessation of smoking. SUI can be an embarrassing problem, but with proper treatment there is hope. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about incontinence, give us a call.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Locally, the founder of The Florida Bladder Institute, Dr. Joseph Gauta, is the region’s premier Urogynecologist and can be reached at (239) 449-7979. The Florida Bladder Institute is located at 1890 SW Health Pkwy, Ste 205 in Naples or you can visit them online at&#160;<a href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(34, 108, 243); text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;">www.floridabladderinstitute.com</a>.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Joseph Gauta M.D.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Board Certified Urogynecologist</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta is a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Excellence in Women’s Pelvic Health</p></div></div> Mon, 22 Aug 2016 12:16:07 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/do-you-suffer-with-fecal-incontinence1/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/do-you-suffer-with-fecal-incontinence1/ Do you suffer with Fecal Incontinence? <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id269"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG -</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://swfhealthandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Do-you-suffer-with-Fecal-Incontinence1.jpg" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(34, 108, 243); text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;"></a>As infants and toddlers, our bowel movements are a cause for celebration, bringing great joy to parents and grandparents alike.&#160; But as we age, these natural bodily functions become a source of embarrassment and even shame for those who suffer with fecal incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">According to Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG, a board certified physician specializing in the area of Urogynecology.&#160; “Fecal incontinence is the inability to control your bowel movements, causing stool, or feces to leak unexpectedly from your rectum.&#160; This may happen occasionally while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.”</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea, and muscle or nerve damage.&#160; Fecal incontinence may be due to a weakened anal sphincter associated with aging or to injury to the nerve and muscles of the rectum and anus from giving birth.&#160; Also, as we age the muscles and ligaments that support your pelvis, as well as your anal sphincter muscles can weaken, leading to incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Related Bowel Troubles may include<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />-Diarrhea<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />-Constipation<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />-Gas and bloating<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />-Abdominal cramping</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">When to see a doctor<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Dr. Gauta is the founder of the Florida Bladder Institute, a practice dedicated to the treatment of female incontinence (urinary, fecal and gas) and female pelvic disorders. He explains that fecal incontinence can occur at any age but it is most common among older people, who sometimes have to cope with a lack of bladder control (urinary incontinence) as well.&#160; Other risk factors may include:</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">. Being Female.&#160; Fecal incontinence is more common in women than in men because this condition can be a complication of childbirth.&#160; Often, new mothers are reluctant to tell their doctors about their fecal incontinence problems after childbirth.&#160; But repairing a torn anal sphincter muscle soon after delivery may prevent long-term complications.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">. Nerve Damage.&#160; People with diabetes or multiple sclerosis – conditions that can damage nerves that help control defecation – may be at risk of fecal incontinence.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Alzheimer’s disease.&#160; Fecal incontinence is often a sign of late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, in which both dementia and nerve damage play a role.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Physical disability.&#160; Being physically disabled may make it difficult to reach toilet in time.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Whatever the cause, fecal incontinence can be embarrassing but that is no reason to shy away from talking to your doctor about it.&#160; Many treatments – some of them simple – are available that can improve, if not correct, fecal incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Can’t control the passage of gas or stools, which may be liquid or solid, from your bowels.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. May not be able to make it to the toilet in time to avoid an accident.</p></div></div> Mon, 11 Jul 2016 13:24:17 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/strengthen-your-pelvic-floor-with-kegel-exercises/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/strengthen-your-pelvic-floor-with-kegel-exercises/ Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor with Kegel Exercises <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id266"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, M.D.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">As a woman, maintaining the integrity of your pelvic floor is an important part of maintaining your overall heath, regardless if you are approaching childbearing or passing through menopause. Understanding the role your pelvic floor plays in your health and wellness may give you the motivation to keep it toned and healthy.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">At its most basic level, a Kegel exercise consists of tightening and releasing the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle. If you are unfamiliar with the action of your PC muscle, you can isolate it by stopping the flow of your urine midstream</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">About the Pelvic Floor</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Your pelvic floor is a band of muscles in the shape of a figure eight that surrounds your vaginal opening and rectum. These muscles act as a kind of hammock that supports the organs of your pelvic region, such as your uterus and bladder. The PC muscle is a part of your overall pelvic floor muscular makeup.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">This muscle helps you control the flow of your urine, and its strength is also often associated with the increased ability to orgasm.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">Over the course of a woman’s life, the hammock of pelvic muscles becomes stretched and can loose its integrity from hormonal changes and the aging process. The integrity of the pelvic floor can also be jeopardized by other life factors such as:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• The added weight of pregnancy<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Vaginal birth<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Surgery in the pelvic region, including C-sections<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />and hysterectomies<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Being overweight<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Chronic constipation or coughing</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Dangers of a Weak Pelvic Floor</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />A weakened pelvic floor presents several health risks for women:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Pelvic organ prolapse: Prolapses occur when your pelvic floor is too weak to hold up one or more of your pelvic organs and they fall from their normal place to walls of your vagina or, in worse case scenarios, protrude from the vagina. Bladder, uterine, vaginal, bowel, and rectum prolapses can occur.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">Incontinence: A weakened PC muscle is not able to properly support the weight of a full bladder and control urine output, leading to incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">Lack of sexual sensation: Women with a compromised pelvic floor may have less sexual sensation and trouble reaching orgasm.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Strengthen the Pelvic Floor Using Pelvic Floor Exercises</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />To help avoid the problems that arise from a weak pelvic floor, most gynecologists recommend that all women from their childbearing years onward should exercise the muscles of the pelvic floor by doing Kegel exercises.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">At its most basic level, a Kegel exercise consists of tightening and releasing the PC muscle. If you are unfamiliar with the action of your PC muscle, you can isolate it by stopping the flow of your urine midstream (though you shouldn’t regularly perform Kegels while going the bathroom).</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">Once you identify your PC muscle, tighten the muscle as you exhale, which ensures that you aren’t actually using the surrounding muscles of your thighs and buttocks. All you need to do is tighten and release this muscle, and you’re doing Kegels.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">There are many different Kegel variations that you can try:</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Rapidly contract and relax your muscles, working up to a count of 100, then 200, a day.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Contract the muscles and hold them taut for as long as you can. Try working up to holding the Kegel for 10, then 15, then 20 seconds.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Imagine the muscles of your vagina as a building, with your pelvic floor as the first floor of the building and the top floor as your bellybutton. Slowly tighten your muscles upward, as if it they are an elevator moving up through the building. Hold at the top floor then slowly release downwards.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Tighten your muscles a little and hold for five seconds, tighten a little more and hold for another five seconds. Tighten as hard as you can and hold for five more seconds. Then reverse the motion, relaxing slightly and holding for five seconds, then relaxing a little more, holding for five seconds, then relaxing the muscles completely.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">Even though well woman care providers recommend that you do Kegel exercises everyday, Kegels are at least convenient. You can do them anytime, anywhere, without anyone ever knowing the difference. Picking a specific time of day can help you remember to do them.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Some examples include:</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• At each stoplight while driving to work<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Reading the morning news<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• For new moms, while feeding your baby</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">It doesn’t matter where or when you do your Kegels – just try to do them everyday.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Kegel Effectiveness</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />If you are doing Kegels because you suffer from urinary incontinence, it might take two to three months of practicing the exercises to help reduce your incontinence. But even though your symptoms aren’t instantly relieved, you will likely be surprised and encouraged at how rapidly your muscles strengthen.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">For example, you may find that you are only able to do 50 basic Kegels at first, or only able to do the first half of an elevator Kegel, and that’s okay. Just do what you can and you will find that with a little practice you can challenge yourself as you gain more muscular control.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">Kegel exercises, when done regularly, can help reverse some incontinence, prevent pelvic organ prolapse, and increase sexual sensation. They are the important tool that helps keep your pelvic floor strong for life.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: justify;">If you have questions about Kegels, pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, or pregnancy and birth, don’t hesitate to call and schedule an appointment.</p></div></div> Mon, 27 Jun 2016 12:53:43 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/a-new-solution-to-an-old-problem/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/a-new-solution-to-an-old-problem/ A New Solution to an Old Problem <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id265"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG -</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Many people suffer from an Overactive Bladder (OAB) and are desperate to find a solution. No one should have to experience the annoying and embarrassing problem of a constant need to use the toilet. While an Overactive Bladder can occur in both men and women, it generally affects women more often. The symptoms include urinary urgency, frequency, and even incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">While all of the causes are not known, we do know that certain activities can make the situation worse. For example, drinking excessive amounts of caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol can have an unwanted diuretic effect. Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes may help alleviate symptoms. Also, physical regimens such as bladder training and pelvic exercises may be beneficial.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">The use of medications has been proven to be effective, as well. Other options may include surgical procedures that include Augmentation Cystoplasty, Urinary Diversion, or a Urethral Sling. While these have been shown to work in some case, they are still surgical procedures that carry their own risk. A newer and very effective form of treatment is called Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS). This involves the insertion of neurostimulator electrodes into the lower leg. The goal is to send stimulation through the tibial nerve. A surface pad is placed on the outside of the leg and an external pulse generator then delivers a mild electrical signal that travels to the sacral nerve plexus. The sacral nerve plexus, among other functions, regulates bladder and pelvic floor function.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">PTNS is a low-risk procedure and no major safety concerns have surfaced. This makes it a viable alternative for many who suffer with OAB. In separate studies, the success rate has been shown to be over 75%. Locally, Joseph Gauta MD, a renowned Urogynecologist has seen success with this procedure first hand. With PTNS, there is great news for anyone suffering from an overactive bladder.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">While this option may not be for everyone, its very promising to those who suffer from OAB. If you have any questions regarding Overactive Bladder (OAB), please contact the Florida Bladder Institute at (239) 449-7979. It is one of the leading women’s surgical facilities in Southwest Florida. They specialize in both Gynecology and Urogynecology. The Florida Bladder Institute is located at 1890 SW Health Parkway Suite 205, Naples, Florida 34109.</p></div></div> Mon, 06 Jun 2016 13:17:36 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/sw-florida-now-has-a-urogynecologist-ladies-learn-what-this-means-to-you/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/sw-florida-now-has-a-urogynecologist-ladies-learn-what-this-means-to-you/ SW Florida Now Has a Urogynecologist, Ladies, Learn What This Means to You! <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id262"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Incontinence and pelvic floor problems are remarkably common but many women are reluctant to receive help because of the embarrassment associated with these conditions. Until recently, when women would seek help for these conditions there were few good options to treat them.&#160; Due to the tremendous advancements made in the last decade in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions a new subspecialty of OB/Gyn was created called Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (A.K.A. Urogynecology).</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">What is Urogynecology?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Many women experience problems that overlap between the fields of gynecology and urology and they often bounce back and forth between the two specialties. Urogynecology bridges that gap and allows for both of these issues to be addressed by one physician. The field of Urogynecology is a subspecialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology and is dedicated to the study and treatment of pelvic floor disorders in women. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, you may benefit from a consultation with a Urogynecologist.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Expert Treatment for the Following Symptoms:</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Incontinence: Loss of bladder or bowel control.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Prolapse: Displacement of the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder and rectum) beyond the normal position of the vaginal walls. Symptoms include a visible bulge and pelvic pressure. This condition is sometimes referred to as a “dropped bladder.”<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Overactive bladder symptoms: Frequent need to urinate, urgency, incontinence and nighttime frequency.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Emptying Disorders: Difficulty urinating or moving bowels.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Pelvic (or bladder) Pain: Discomfort, burning or spasm within the bladder, urethra or vagina. May also manifest as pain with sexual intercourse.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Bowel Control Conditions: Constipation and bowel control issues/incontinence.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Board certification means that a Urogynecologist has obtained training and experience beyond that of a general OB/Gyn or Urologist.&#160; The comprehensive board certification exam in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery was offered for the first time last year.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">These doctors deal only with the evaluation&#160; and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, muscles and connective tissue that support these organs. The additional training focuses on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of non-cancerous gynecologic problems.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">When Should I See a Urogynecologist?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />If you’re struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, or incontinence, you should seek treatment immediately. Consulting with a Urogynecologist can help to achieve an accurate diagnosis of your condition and provide information on the full spectrum of treatment options available. Specialized training enables a Urogynecologist to blend elements of gynecology, urology and gastroenterology to treat the entire pelvic floor.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Treatments may include conservative (non-surgical) or outpatient surgical therapy to cure or relieve your symptoms. While your primary care physician, Urologist or OB/Gyn may have knowledge about these problems, a Urogynecologist can manage all these pelvic floor conditions comprehensively.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Urogynecology Treatment Options</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />A Urogynecologist can recommend a variety of therapies to cure or relieve symptoms of prolapse, urinary, gas or fecal incontinence, or other pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms. He may advise conservative (non-surgical) or surgical therapy depending on your wishes, the severity of your condition and your general health. Conservative options include medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and/or dietary modifications and vaginal devices (also called pessaries).</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Biofeedback and Electric Stimulation are two treatment modalities that your Urogynecologist may recommend. Safe and effective outpatient surgical procedures are also utilized by the Urogynecologist to treat incontinence and prolapse. A Urogynecologist will discuss all of the options that are available to treat your specific problem(s) before you are asked to make any treatment decisions.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">It’s easy to become embarrassed by pelvic and bladder disorders, but you do not have to suffer with these problems or associated pain. Florida Bladder Institute provides compassionate, thorough urogynecological care for all women. Whether you face pelvic issues as a result of aging, delivering babies, illness, or trauma, we can provide proper treatment and counseling so you can enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Call 239-449-7979 today to schedule an appointment with Joseph Gauta M.D. to learn how proper urogynecological care can benefit you. Don’t suffer in silence any longer; there is help available.</p></div></div> Tue, 19 Apr 2016 13:32:02 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/constipation-when-you-may-need-more-than-fiber-and-fluids/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/constipation-when-you-may-need-more-than-fiber-and-fluids/ Constipation—When You May Need More than Fiber and Fluids <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id261"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Discussing your bowel movements with friends around the dinner table should not be normal conversation. Unfortunately, it is all too common in some of our daily routines. Constipation means&#160;having a bowel movement less than every other day (or less than 3 times a week).&#160; It is very common, affecting&#160; about 1 in 3 women.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Everyone is different, but normally you should have a bowel movement at least every other day and no more than twice daily. Infrequent bowel movements can lead to symptoms of pain and bleeding with bowel movements. Some women with constipation find it helpful to press on the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) or on the back wall of the vagina to help get all of the bowel movement out. Symptoms of constipation include:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Abdominal discomfort<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Gas<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Bloating<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Straining<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />. Hard/firm stool</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Am I at Risk?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Constipation occurs for several reasons. It may be related to diet choices, medicines, or health problems. Straining on the toilet with constipation can lead to pelvic dysfunction and prolapse or it can be the effect of pelvic floor dysfunction. Learn your risk and what you can do to reduce episodes of constipation. Do it for the health of your pelvic floor!</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Dietary Problems</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />The most common reason for constipation is not having enough fiber in your diet. This is very common in women who eat a typical American diet, and getting enough fiber to fix this problem often requires planning and supplementation. Some foods, especially those high in starch such as white rice, pasta, or white bread, are more likely to lead to constipation. Constipation may also be due to lack of fluids in your diet. Some women do not drink enough fluids to keep their stool soft. When there is not enough fiber or water in your diet, bowel movements are more likely to be hard or irregular.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Medicines</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Many medications cause constipation as a side effect. Talk with your doctor about the side effects of your medicines. Ask about alternative medicines without constipating effects. Common constipating medications include:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Iron and calcium supplements.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Narcotic pain medications<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Anticholinergic medications<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Antidepressants<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Blood pressure medicines</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Pelvic Floor Disorders</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Rectoceles and other forms of prolapse can sometimes lead to problems with bowel movements. Women who are unable to relax the pelvic floor muscles due to pain can also have problems passing bowel movements. In turn, chronic constipation can cause pelvic floor disorders.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Medical Conditions</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Constipation can result from abnormal nerve or muscle function causing severe irregularity. Constipation can occur by itself or from certain medical conditions, which cause irregularity and/or hard stools such as:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Irritable bowel syndrome.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Inflammatory bowel disease.<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Thyroid disorders<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Cystitis fibrosis<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" /><strong>•</strong> Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Intestinal Blockage</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Rarely, the cause of constipation is a blockage from colon cancer, other tumors, or scar tissue from prior infections or surgeries. In this case, the constipation usually continues to get worse until the problem is treated. Women with this problem also may notice they are not passing gas and that they feel bloated.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">If simple over the counter remedies and dietary changes are not enough, you may need to see a specialist.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Sources: Original publication date: May 2008; Content Update: November 2014</p></div></div> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 20:01:39 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/botox-for-overactive-bladder-frustrated-with-your-overactive-bladder-oab-medication-not-working-do-the-side-effects-pose-more-health-risks-than-benefits/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/botox-for-overactive-bladder-frustrated-with-your-overactive-bladder-oab-medication-not-working-do-the-side-effects-pose-more-health-risks-than-benefits/ BOTOX® for Overactive Bladder Frustrated with your Overactive Bladder (OAB) medication not working? Do the side effects pose more health risks than benefits? <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id256"><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">When you have Overactive Bladder, you learn to settle. To settle not only for the constant bathroom trips, but also for treatments that haven’t worked as well as you’d like or left you with unpleasant side effects.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">There’s another approach. BOTOX® is approved to treat Overactive Bladder symptoms, such as a strong need to urinate with leakage, urgency and frequency in adults when another type of medication (anticholinergic) does not work well enough or cannot be taken. Even people with electrical stimulation treatments or devices can add Botox to their regimen if their current treatments are not working well enough.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">A different type of treatment for OAB</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />BOTOX® takes another approach to targeting the source of your OAB: the bladder muscle itself. And now just might be the right time to ask your doctor about how BOTOX® treatment may help you with your OAB symptoms.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">How does BOTOX® work?</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />BOTOX® works on the nerves and bladder muscle, blocking the signals that trigger OAB. In your body, certain chemicals travel from nerve cells to muscle cells to make your bladder contract so that you can urinate. With OAB, these muscles contract uncontrollably and you frequently feel like you have to empty your bladder.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">BOTOX® treatment works by calming the nerves that trigger the Overactive Bladder muscle, helping to:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Reduce daily leakage episodes<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Treat the strong need to urinate right away<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Reduce the number of times that you need to empty your bladder daily</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Proven results</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />In two 24-week clinical trials, patients who received BOTOX® (vs. those who did not) reported a significant reduction in the number of their daily leakage episodes at week 12.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">If you’re still not sure if you should talk to us about BOTOX®, ask yourself this question:</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Have you tried taking medications to manage your OAB and stopped because:<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• The side effects were intolerable?<br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />• Or you still experienced urgency, frequency, or leakage?</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. You’re in the majority of people with your condition who are frustrated with their current treatment. In one study of 1117 patients, 73.5% reported that they stopped taking their OAB therapy within 1 year. According to two separate surveys, the top reasons that OAB patients discontinued anticholinergics were due to side effects and/or lack of results.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Ask a us if BOTOX® could be right for you.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Do you suffer from OAB, or other bladder, bowel, or pelvic disorders? Incontinence often negatively impacts daily living. The good news is that virtually all types of incontinence are treatable. The Florida Bladder Institute’s expert team is dedicated to helping you achieve the highest level of health and quality of life.</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">The clinical staff of the Florida Bladder Institute is well-versed and experienced in using a variety of techniques including medication, rehabilitation, minimally invasive surgical intervention and lifestyle education to improve your overall health and help you regain control and reclaim your freedom. For more information on BOTOX® and other treatment options, call 239-449-7979 today!</p><p style="padding: 1em 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Joseph Gauta M.D.</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" /><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;">Board Certified Urogynecologist</strong><br style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: none; list-style: none; border: 0px none;" />Dr. Gauta is now the first physician in S.W. Florida dual board certified in Urogynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gauta’s practice, The Florida Bladder Institute, is&#160; solely&#160; dedicated&#160; to Urogynecology. One out of every six women suffers from overactive bladder and half of all women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A challenge for women seeking treatment is that they would go to a urologist for one problem, a gynecologist for another and a gastroenterologist for another. Dr. Gauta explains “A Urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems. Evaluating your pelvic system as a whole ensures the best treatment and outcome”. Some of the newer treatment options include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, Botox, and minimally invasive outpatient surgery. In addition to providing the most advanced medical care for his patients, Dr. Gauta was a preceptor for Boston Scientific, Medtronic and Olympus and currently trains other physicians from around the world on how to do the most advanced Urogynecology procedures for companies like Laborie and Coloplast. He is the recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors award, and is amongst the top 1% of physicians in the country who are honored with the Patient’s Choice Award for 5 years in a row. Dr. Gauta received his training at Tulane University in New Orleans mentored by world renowned Urogynecologists David Herbert M.D. and Thomas Elkins M.D.</p></div></div> Mon, 14 Mar 2016 11:38:04 -0400 https://nafc.org/pelvic-organ-prolapse/ https://nafc.org/pelvic-organ-prolapse/ Pelvic Organ Prolapse, the Silent Epidemic Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/experienced-surgeons-produce-better-surgical-results/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/experienced-surgeons-produce-better-surgical-results/ Experienced Surgeons Produce Better Surgical Results <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id250"><p>Already established by multiple research studies, the data shows that high-volume surgeons have fewer complications and better results with their procedures. A recent online review from JAMA Surgery confirmed this fact in regards to one of the most common urogynecologic procedures performed today: slings for stress incontinence. The following is an article from Ob.Gyn.News from September 9, 2015 summarizing those findings. Please click on this link to read and learn more: <a href="http://www.obgynnews.com/specialty-focus/gynecology/single-article-page/low-volume-surgeons-have-most-complications-with-mesh-slings/144dedf58df437361f34a513d48abf4c.html">Sling complications</a></p><p>A study in our own office confirmed what our patients have been telling us all along: our results are something to be proud of. Complications with our sling procedures at the Florida Bladder Institute are less than 1%. Ask your surgeon about their experiences and complication rates before deciding on treatments that can permanently affect your body.</p></div></div> Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:25:52 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/great-training-day-for-international-surgeons/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/great-training-day-for-international-surgeons/ Great training day for International Surgeons <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item hasFloatLeft" id="id248"><div class="floatLeft" style="width: 640px;"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/127_IMG_0800.JPG" border="0" alt="" width="640" height="480"/><div class="caption">South American, Central American, and Caribbean urogynecologists and urologists</div></div><p>&#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160;Another great time was had by all at CAMLS (<a href="http://www.camls-us.org">Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation</a>) in beautiful downtown Tampa. Roger Goldberg, MD and I had the privilege of mentoring a group of well-trained and intelligent surgeons from Columbia, Mexico, Jamaica, Panama and Puerto Rico. This was accomplished with a little Spanish and a lot of English (thankfully). Ours days usually begin with a didactic lesson followed by a hands-on cadaver lab. Each surgeon has the opportunity to hone their skills and expand their knowledge about pelvic organ prolapse and urogynecology issues. I had a great time and can't wait to do it again. I always learn a lot myself from some of the brightest international surgeons around.</p></div> <div class="cms_item hasFloatLeft" id="id249"><div class="floatLeft" style="width: 640px;"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/128_IMG_0799.JPG" border="0" alt="" width="640" height="480"/></div></div></div> Sat, 29 Aug 2015 10:47:51 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/vaginal-mesh-repairs-international-study-to-assess-long-term-safety/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/vaginal-mesh-repairs-international-study-to-assess-long-term-safety/ Vaginal Mesh Repairs: International Study to Assess Long-Term Safety <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id229"><br /> <p>A new post-market study sponsored by Boston Scientific Corporation began at the Florida Bladder Institute in March 2014. This study will be conducted at many study centers throughout the United States and Australia. Dr. Joseph Gauta, Board Certified in Female Pelvic Medicine &amp; Reconstruction Surgery is Principal Investigator at the Florida Bladder Institute. The Study titled: “A Prospective, Non-Randomized, Parallel Cohort, Multi-center Study of Uphold LITE vs. Native Tissue for the Treatment of Women with Anterior/Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse” will compare transvaginal mesh repair to traditional native tissue repair in women surgically treated for anterior/apical pelvic organ prolapse with or without concurrent cystocele. The purpose of this study is to look at how safe and how well this surgical mesh treats pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Participants will be followed for three years after their surgery. </p> <p>POP occurs when the tissue and muscles that hold pelvic organs in place are stretched or weakened and the organs move from their natural positions to press against the vaginal wall. The condition is strongly linked to labor and vaginal childbirth. It can also be related to prior pelvic surgery and anything that causes increased pressure in the abdomen, such as obesity, respiratory problems with a long-lasting (chronic) cough or constipation. For some women, POP becomes a painful or uncomfortable problem in which surgery is an option for treatment. </p> <p>The difficulties associated with repair of cystocele were cited by Ahfelt as early as 1909, and reinforced nearly a century later by Weber et al (2001) who reported recurrence rates as high as 70% in a widely cited randomized controlled study (RCT). Clark et al estimated that up to 60% of surgical recurrences occur at the same anatomic site as the original repair, highlighting the limitations associated with plicating and/or suspending weakened connective tissues to one another. </p> <p>The main goal of POP surgery is restoration of normal anatomy to achieve proximal vaginal suspension, mid-vaginal lateral attachments and distal vaginal fusion to the urogenital fascia and perineum. Women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery for POP hope to achieve relief of symptoms, restoration of normal anatomy, maintenance of vaginal capacity for sexual function and improvement in the quality of life. </p> <p>POP of the anterior and posterior vaginal wall, and vaginal apex, are among the most challenging and common aspects of traditional pelvic reconstructive surgery. As life expectancy increases, significantly greater numbers of women will present with POP and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) requiring surgical intervention. Women face an 11% lifetime risk of requiring major surgery for POP. </p> <p>In recent years, surgical methods such as vaginal mesh repair (VMR) have become available as an option for treating more advanced and challenging cases. Vaginal mesh repair, by augmenting native tissues with polypropylene mesh, is the most well established surgical alternative to native tissue plication. Despite a risk of mesh complications (3% - 13%), VMR is quicker and technically easier than trans-abdominal placement using sacral colpopexy.</p> <p>UpholdTM Lightweight Surgical Mesh (Uphold LITE) is an FDA 510(k) cleared mesh implant intended for tissue reinforcement and stabilization of fascial structures of the pelvic floor in vaginal wall prolapse, where surgical treatment is intended, either as mechanical support or bridging material for the fascial defect. Uphold was designed as a VMR that would limit mesh exposures by placement through a horizontal, inverted crescent vaginal incision near the urethrovesical junction. The amount of mesh is approximately 75% less than other kits and apical support is achieved via sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF). Use of synthetic mesh grafts in surgical repair of vaginal prolapse has been shown to significantly increase success rates and reduce recurrent prolapse. </p> <p>In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Notification (PHN) to inform doctors and patients of safety concerns related to urogynecologic surgical mesh devices used in the treatment of POP and SUI, and to provide recommendations on how to prevent risks and how to counsel patients. Following the 2008 PHN, the FDA has continued to monitor the outcomes of female pelvic floor repair with surgical mesh. The FDA has also conducted a review of scientific literature to learn more about safety and effectiveness data. The result was a 2011 update to the 2008 PHN. In the 2011 PHN update, the FDA determined that serious adverse events are not rare, contrary to what was stated in the 2008 PHN. </p> <p>The FDA is considering regulatory changes that may better our understanding of how safe and how effective surgical mesh used in female pelvic floor repair procedures can be, including POP repair. One way the FDA is looking at how safe and effective surgical mesh devices are is by requesting that the device companies conduct clinical studies. </p> <p>This study will be conducted in partnership with the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) under the Pelvic Floor Disorders Outcome Registry (PFD Registry). The purpose of this registry is to gather information to help understand and improve the lives of women with pelvic organ prolapse. </p> </div></div> Tue, 06 May 2014 21:18:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/mexican-caribbean-and-south-american-surgeons/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/mexican-caribbean-and-south-american-surgeons/ Mexican, Caribbean and South American Surgeons <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item hasFloatLeft" id="id226"><div class="floatLeft" style="width: 640px;"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/113_20140314_125416_resized_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="640" height="480"/><div class="caption">Mexican, Dominican and Puerto Rican doctors</div></div><p>March was a great month for teaching. Roger Goldberg, MD (right of me), Stuart Hart, MD (not pictured) and I enjoyed the company of some great surgeons from Mexico and the Caribbean. We were privileged to be able to teach this knowledgeable group of surgeons. Everyone learned a lot from each other. The surgeons all stated that they enjoyed the lectures and cadaver labs immensely. &#160;I also got to brush up on my Spanish.</p></div> <div class="cms_item hasFloatLeft" id="id227"><div class="floatLeft" style="width: 640px;"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/114_20140315_111423_resized_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="640" height="480"/><div class="caption">Venezuelan and Colombian Surgeons</div></div><p>The next day, Roger Goldberg, MD (left of me) and I, along with Ricardo Gonzalez, MD (right of me) had the opportunity to teach another great group of surgeons from South America. The CAMLS Center in Tampa was the site of our lecture and cadaver lab, and we were able to delve into the nuances of prolapsed surgery with this advanced group of physicians. My Spanish got a little better?! It was great getting to know everyone.</p></div></div> Sat, 29 Mar 2014 07:30:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/understanding-cosmetic-vaginal-surgery/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/understanding-cosmetic-vaginal-surgery/ Understanding Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id223"><div class="alignLeft"><a href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/download/116/Health_WellnessCollier_15.pdf"><img src="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/files/xlarge/116_Health_WellnessCollier_15.pdf.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="440" height="480"/></a><div class="caption"><a href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/download/116/Health_WellnessCollier_15.pdf">Click image to enlarge</a></div></div></div></div> Sun, 16 Mar 2014 16:05:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/physicians/augs-and-sufu-position-statement-on-mesh-midurethral-slings-mus-for-stress-urinary-incontinence/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/physicians/augs-and-sufu-position-statement-on-mesh-midurethral-slings-mus-for-stress-urinary-incontinence/ AUGS Position Statement on Mesh Midurethral Slings Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:33:00 -0500 http://www.jmig.org/article/S1553-4650(13)00154-4/abstract http://www.jmig.org/article/S1553-4650(13)00154-4/abstract Outpatient Hysterectomy is as Safe or Safer than Inpatient Hysterectomy Thu, 03 Oct 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/joseph-gauta-md-first-area-gynecologist-to-perform-less-procedure/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/joseph-gauta-md-first-area-gynecologist-to-perform-less-procedure/ Joseph Gauta, MD First Area Gynecologist to Perform LESS Procedure <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id43"><p>February 10, 2010, Naples, Florida - Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG recently performed the first gynecological procedure in the region utilizing revolutionary new technology and a technique called Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) surgery at <a class="new_window" title="Naples Day Surgery, LLC " href="http://naplesdaysurgery.com/">Naples Day Surgery</a> center in Naples, Florida. </p><p>What makes this procedure so unique is that unlike the traditional laparoscopes or even DaVinci Robotic tools, which both require three to five separate incisions to access the abdomen, LESS surgery is performed entirely through one small incision located within the bellybutton. </p><p>Dr Gauta, who is certified by the <a class="new_window" title="American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology" href="http://www.abog.org/">American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology</a> and a member of the <a class="new_window" title="Society of Laparo-endoscopic Surgeons " href="http://sls.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1">Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons</a> said, “The obvious advantage with LESS is that there is no visible scar after recovery and with only one entry point, our patients may experience less blood loss, quicker recovery, and fewer post-surgical complications.” He added, “This procedure may be a good alternative for many women in our region who are facing hysterectomy, ovarian cysts, fibroids and other types of gynecological problems requiring surgical intervention.” </p><p>Dr. Gauta is the founder of the Naples-based obstetrics and gynecology practice Especially for Women and the Florida Bladder Institute. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Lewis I. Post Award for Surgical Excellence. He added, “Our team looks forward to helping women find the best possible solution to treat their problem and provide the care and support they deserve.”</p><p>Read more <a title="LESS " href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/pelvic-disorders/less-surgery/">information about LESS</a> surgery, or call the Florida Bladder Institute to schedule an appointment at 239-449-7979.</p></div></div> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.less-surgery.eu/Default_6137.aspx http://www.less-surgery.eu/Default_6137.aspx More information on LESS http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/urogynecology-blending-urology-and-gynecology-to-benefit-women/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/urogynecology-blending-urology-and-gynecology-to-benefit-women/ Urogynecology - blending Urology and Gynecology to benefit women <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id174"><p><strong><em>Dr. Joseph Gauta explains unique sub-specialty for women</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Urogynecology Provides Integrated Treatment for:</strong></p> <p><strong>Incontinence, Dropped Uterus, Overactive Bladder, More</strong></p> <p>Naples, FL -- The word Urogynecology is a relatively new term for many female healthcare consumers but one that's been used in the medical community for decades.&#160; It describes a field of medicine that combines the best of two specialties, Urology and Gynecology and is designed to provide a complete approach to women's pelvic health.</p> <p>According to Dr. Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG, a urogynecologist and founder of the <a href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/">Florida Bladder Institute</a>, "Urogynecology targets disorders of the pelvic floor and provides reconstructive medicine to repair problems such as organ prolapse, incontinence, or other functional concerns." Dr. Gauta continued, "A urogynecologist is a board certified specialist such as an obstetrician/gynecologist that has the experience and skill to diagnose and treat women suffering with complex pelvic health problems and treats the entire pelvic region, not just one system." </p> <p>The advantages of seeing a urogynecologist as a single source for women's pelvic health concerns are many. &#160;In the past, women with problems such as painful periods coupled with heavy bleeding and/or incontinence, chronic urinary infections, ovarian cysts, or organ prolapse would visit several types of physician specialists seeking a solution. Each one would provide a diagnosis and treatment plan to address a specific problem based on their area of expertise. While the treatment may work for one problem, other issues remained untreated and women would find themselves frustrated, inconvenienced and financially impacted due to the many visits, tests and treatments required.</p> <p>The Florida Bladder Institute in Naples, FL is one of the country's first urogynecology practices. As a center of excellence in women's pelvic health, the institute treats women from throughout the world who seek specialized comprehensive care for complex pelvic floor concerns. Dr. Gauta explains that, "A urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems," He added, "This means we thoroughly evaluate your urinary, lower gastrointestinal and reproductive systems as a whole to insure you receive the best possible treatment and outcome in the most efficient and cost effective manner."</p> <p><strong>When Should You Seek a Urogynecologist?</strong></p> <p>The <a href="https://www.voicesforpfd.org" title="AUGS.org">American Urogynecologic Society</a> provides guidelines and recommendations to help women make wise decisions about their pelvic health and to help them understand the unique and important roles each member of the health care team plays in their overall health. </p> <p>They explain that although your primary care physician or OB/GYN may have knowledge about these problems, a urogynecologist can offer additional expertise. You should see (or be referred to) a urogynecologist when you have problems of prolapse and/or troublesome incontinence or when your primary doctor recommends consultation. </p> <p>Other problems for which you or your doctor might think about consulting a urogynecologist include: problems with emptying the bladder or rectum, pelvic pain and the need for special expertise in vaginal surgery.</p> <p>Some problems due to pelvic floor disorders and their symptoms are:</p> <p>1. Incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control, leakage of urine or feces.</p> <p>2. Prolapse: descent of pelvic organs; a bulge and/or pressure; ‘dropped uterus,&#160;bladder, vagina or rectum.’</p> <p>3. Emptying Disorders: difficulty urinating or moving bowels.</p> <p>4. Pelvic (or Bladder) Pain: discomfort, burning or other uncomfortable pelvic&#160;symptoms, including bladder or urethral pain.</p> <p>5. Overactive Bladder: frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, urgency&#160;incontinence or difficulty holding back a full bladder.</p> <p><strong>What Treatment Options are Available from a Urogynecologist?</strong></p> <p>A urogynecologist can recommend a variety of therapies to cure or relieve symptoms of&#160;prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, or other pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms.</p> <p>At the Florida Bladder Institute, Dr. Gauta may advise conservative, non-surgical or surgical therapy depending on your preferences, the severity of your condition and your general health. Conservative options may include medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and/or dietary modifications and vaginal devices (also called pessaries). Biofeedback (part of a comprehensive Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy program) and Electric Stimulation such at <a href="https://www.axonics.com" title="Axonics">Axonics</a> or <a href="https://www.laborie.com/patients/conditions/overactive-bladder/urgent-pc/" title="Urgent PC">Urgent PC</a> are newer treatment methods that may be effective. Minimally invasive surgical procedures are also utilized by Dr. Gauta to treat incontinence and prolapse. In all cases, Dr. Gauta and his experienced nursing staff will discuss all of the options that are available to treat your specific problem before you are asked to make a treatment decision.</p> <p><strong>About Dr. Gauta</strong></p> <p>Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG, FPMRS is founder of the Florida Bladder Institute, a premier Urogynecology practice specializing in treating women and also <a href="http://www.especiallyforwomen.net/">Especially for Women</a>, an Obstetrics and Gynecology practice based in Naples, FL.</p> <p>As a board certified Ob/Gyn with over 18 years in practice, he specializes in treating complex women’s health issues including but not limited to pelvic floor disorders, urinary and stress incontinence, bladder and bowel dysfunction, fecal incontinence, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic pain, and ovarian cysts. As a Preceptor for <a href="https://www.coloplast.us/surgical-urology/patient/Women/urinary-incontinence/" title="Coloplast">Coloplast</a> and <a href="https://www.laborie.com/patients/resource-center/" title="Laborie">Laborie</a>,&#160;he teaches surgeons from around the world the techniques of advanced&#160; minimally-invasive urogynecologic surgery with specialization in Laparo-endoscopic Single Site Surgery and in-office procedures.</p> <p>The Tulane University School of Medicine graduate is a recipient of the prestigious Lewis I. Post Award for Surgical Excellence. He has been honored with the Patients’ Choice Award every year since 2008, placing him in the top 1% of the nation's physicians.&#160; He is a member of the Society of Laparo-endoscopic Surgeons, American Urogynecologic Society, International Urogynecologic Society and the International Continence Society. </p> <p>Appointments can be made by calling 239-449-7979.</p></div></div> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.voicesforpfd.org/p/cm/ld/fid=87 http://www.voicesforpfd.org/p/cm/ld/fid=87 Get the Facts about Surgical Mesh from the American Urogynecological Society Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:45:15 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/international-journal-publishes-findings-of-dr.-gauta-s-outpatient-laparoscopic-hysterectomy-pain-study/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/international-journal-publishes-findings-of-dr.-gauta-s-outpatient-laparoscopic-hysterectomy-pain-study/ International Journal Publishes Findings of Dr. Gauta's Outpatient Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Pain Study <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id137"><p class="large"><strong><em>OUTPATIENT HYSTERECTOMIES SAFE CHOICE FOR WOMEN</em></strong><br /> </p><p class="small">DR. GAUTA PAIN STUDY PUBLISHED IN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL</p><p><em><strong>Naples, FL</strong></em> – Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG was recently published in the <a class="new_window" title="Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183569/">Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons</a> for his two-year study on “Outpatient Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Evaluation of Pain.” The journal is a leading publication for minimally invasive therapies and is distributed in more than 63 countries to multi-specialty physicians and surgeons, teaching institutions and medical reference libraries.</p><p>The results of his study compared two groups of similar women receiving two types of laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures -- laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Both procedures were performed in an outpatient surgical setting. He concluded that there was no significant difference in post surgical pain, recovery or success of outcome.&#160;</p><p>The study helps to reinforce the strides and confidence patients and their physicians have in choosing ambulatory surgery facilities for care. In this case, outpatient hysterectomy is a safe procedure that may improve patient satisfaction surgically and financially, and either approach is well tolerated by patients. </p><p><strong>About Dr. Gauta</strong></p><p>Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG is founder of <a class="new_window" title="Especially for Women " href="http://www.especiallyforwomen.net/">Especially for Women</a>, an Obstetrics and Gynecology group practice and the <a class="new_window" title="Florida Bladder Institute " href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/">Florida Bladder Institute</a>, a premier Urogynecology practice specializing in treating women with pelvic floor disorders, pelvic floor reconstruction, urinary and stress incontinence, bladder and bowel dysfunction and a variety of other complex women’s health issues. Appointments can be made by calling 239-449-7979.</p><p>Dr. Gauta is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the Society of Laparo-endoscopic Surgeons, American Urogynecologic Society, the International Urogynecologic Society and the International Continence Society. He is a recipient of the prestigious Lewis I. Post Award for Surgical Excellence and since 2007 has been honored as one of the top 5% of physicians in the nation to receive the Patients’ Choice Award. He is ranked by Press Ganey in the top 1% of physicians for Patient Satisfaction. </p></div></div> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/joseph-gauta-md-ranks-top-1-in-patient-satisfaction-according-to-national-press-ganey-survey-nch-health-system/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/joseph-gauta-md-ranks-top-1-in-patient-satisfaction-according-to-national-press-ganey-survey-nch-health-system/ Joseph Gauta, MD, Ranks Top 1% in Patient Satisfaction According to National Press Ganey Survey, NCH Health System <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id65"><p><strong>Naples, Florida</strong> - Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG a board certified ob/gyn and fellow of the American College of Gynecologists was honored by NCH Healthcare System for ranking in the 99th percentile of the <strong>National Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey </strong>of more than 1,000 hospitals.</p><p>According to Allen Weiss, MD, President and CEO of NCH Health System, “Being technically excellent is the obvious and critical starting point for quality outcomes. But the added ingredient for all concerned – patient, family and physician – is the irreplaceable element of delivering excellent patient satisfaction.”</p><p>Dr. Gauta is founder of <a title="Especially for Women " href="http://www.especiallyforwomen.net/">Especially for Women</a> Ob/Gyn group practice and the <a title="Florida Bladder Institute " href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/">Florida Bladder Institute</a> which specializes in treating women with urinary incontinence, bladder dysfunction and pelvic floor disorders. As a member of the medical staffs of NCH and all Collier County hospitals, Dr. Gauta must adhere to established guidelines in a required process called <strong>Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation, OPPE</strong>. The OPPE requires that all physicians meet or exceed competency expectations in six core areas measuring Patient Care, Medical/Clinical knowledge, Practice Based Learning and Improvement, Interpersonal and Communications, Professionalism and System-based Practice. </p><p>“Putting the patient first is at the core of the health care providers practice,” Dr. Gauta said, adding, “Doing it better than anyone else is the challenge.” He continued, “To be recognized in the top 1% of physicians in the country for delivering a high level of patient satisfaction means my efforts to establish a good rapport with each and every patient has not gone unnoticed and that makes me very proud.”</p><p>Dr. Gauta added, “Patient satisfaction is not achieved in one visit but over time and requires an ongoing commitment to good communications, high quality services and a sincere level of caring that extends to the entire family.”</p><p>Dr. Gauta’s clinical expertise and achievements in medicine have been recognized nationally, regionally and locally. He is Recipient of the Lewis I. Post Award for Surgical Excellence and the Vitals.com Patients Choice Award. He serves as member of the teaching faculty of Boston Scientific Pelvic Floor Institute and Olympus American, a leading manufacturer of surgical medical devices. He has been featured in <a href="http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/may/24/belly-button-surgery-minimizes-body-invasion-scar/" title="Joseph Gauta MD Surgery">Naples Daily News</a> as first surgeon to perform LESS no scar gynecological surgery in our region and recognized in Gulfshore Life Magazine’s Who’s Who in Medicine. He is a Member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons and is Past President of the Collier County Medical Society.</p></div></div> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/hysterectomy-outcomes-positively-linked-to-experienced-high-volume-surgeons/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/hysterectomy-outcomes-positively-linked-to-experienced-high-volume-surgeons/ Hysterectomy outcomes positively linked to experienced, high volume surgeons <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id183"><h2 class="item_title">Positive Hysterectomy Outcomes Linked to Experienced, High Volume Surgeons</h2> <p>A recently published study shows that hysterectomy outcomes are positively linked to surgeon experience and volume. Basically the study shows that surgical treatment by high-volume surgeons, like Dr. Joseph Gauta, decreased the incidence of operative injuries by 31% over treatment by other gynecologists. Also, operative times were lower, costs were lower, and length of stay was shortened in the group operated on by high-volume surgeons.</p><p>Reference:<br />Rogo-Gupta LJ, Lewin SN, Kim JH, et al.<br />The effect of surgical volume on outcomes and resource use for vaginal hysterectomy.<br />Obstet Gynecol. 2010:116(6):1341-1347</p></div></div> Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/joseph-gauta-md-appointed-to-faculty-of-boston-scientific-pelvic-floor-institution/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/joseph-gauta-md-appointed-to-faculty-of-boston-scientific-pelvic-floor-institution/ Joseph Gauta MD, Appointed to Faculty of Boston Scientific Pelvic Floor Institution <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"><div class="cms_item" id="id64"><p><strong>Naples, FL</strong> – Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG was selected by <a class="new_window" title="Boston Scientific " href="http://www.bostonscientific.com/home.bsci">Boston Scientific</a> Corporation to serve as faculty for their prestigious Pelvic Floor Institute. He was one of only 50 in the nation appointed and received rigorous training and orientation to prepare for his role as instructor to specialists throughout the world. The Pelvic Floor Institute is a dynamic training forum for Urogynecologists, Urologists and Surgical Gynecologists designed to enhance physician knowledge and product techniques.</p><p>Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG is founder of <a class="new_window" title="Especially for Women " href="http://www.especiallyforwomen.net/">Especially for Women</a>, an Obstetrics and Gynecology practice and the <a title="Florida Bladder Institute " href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/">Florida Bladder Institute</a>, a premier Urogynecology practice serving patients throughout Southwest Florida and the world. He has been providing quality women’s health care for over 15 years. Appointments can be made by calling 239-449-7979.</p><p>Urogynecologists specialize in treating women with pelvic floor disorders, pelvic floor reconstruction, urinary and stress incontinence, bladder and bowel dysfunction and a variety of other complex women’s health issues. Dr. Gauta’s training, expertise, leadership, and commitment to the highest level of care made him an ideal choice by Boston Scientific and the Pelvic Health Institute’s Selection Committee. Dr. Gauta is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the Society of Laparo-endoscopic Surgeons, American Urogynecologic Society, and the International Continence Society. He is a recipient of the prestigious Lewis I. Post Award for Surgical Excellence and in 2009, was honored as the top 5% of physicians in the nation to receive the Patients’ Choice Award. </p><p>In addition to his practice responsibilities, Dr. Gauta is active in shaping the future of healthcare in our region. He is an active member of the Florida Medical Association and is past president of the Collier County Medical Society. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from Albany Medical School, New York and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Tulane University School of Medicine. </p></div></div> Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/prestigious-castle-connolly-top-doctor-award-recieved-by-joseph-gauda-md/ http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/news/prestigious-castle-connolly-top-doctor-award-recieved-by-joseph-gauda-md/ Prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctor Award Received By Joseph Gauta, MD <div class="cms_chunk" id="chunk0"> <div class="cms_item" id="id151"><p><em><strong>Naples, FL</strong></em> – Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG founder of <a class="new_window" title="Especially for Women " href="http://www.especiallyforwomen.net/">Especially for Women</a>, an Obstetrics and Gynecology practice and the <a title="Florida Bladder Institute " href="http://draft02.isgfl.com/www.floridabladderinstitute.com">Florida Bladder Institute</a>, a premier Urogynecology practice specializing in complex women’s health, pelvic, bladder and bowel disorders, was selected by Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd as Top Doctor again.</p><p>Dr. Gauta’s medical leadership, expertise, and commitment to patient satisfaction have earned him many awards and accolades throughout his 24 year career and a place on the prestigious list of honorees for over 10 years in a row.</p><p>He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and served as an instructor for Boston Scientific’s Pelvic Floor Institute, Olympus Medical and Medtronic, teaching surgeons from across the world on the most advanced techniques in minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Currently he is a preceptor and proctor for Laborie and Coloplast, two women's health industry leaders. He is a a recipient of the prestigious Lewis I. Post Award for Surgical Excellence and a member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, the American Urogynecologic Society, and the International Continence Society. Since 2008, he has been consistently honored in the top 5% of physicians in the nation to receive the <a class="new_window" title="Patients' Choice Award " href="http://www.patientschoice.org/">Vitals.com Patients’ Choice Award</a> and is ranked by Press Ganey in the top 1% of physicians in the nation for Patient Satisfaction. His office is located at 1890 SW Health Parkway, Suite 205, Naples, FL 34109. Appointments can be made by calling 239-449-7979 or online at <a title="Florida Bladder Institute " href="http://www.floridabladderinstitute.com/">Florida Bladder Institute</a>.</p><p>Each year, <a class="new_window" title="Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. " href="http://www.castleconnolly.com/">Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.</a> receives thousands of nominations from physicians and the medical leadership of major medical centers, specialty hospitals, teaching hospitals as well as regional and community medical centers across the United States to identify <em><strong>America's Top Doctors.</strong></em> Under the direction of its physician-lead research team, Castle Connolly surveys tens of thousands of physicians and hospital executives in order to identify, screen and, ultimately, select those physicians regarded by their peers as the very best in their specialties and for specific diseases and techniques. Above all, these <em><strong>Top Doctors</strong></em> share one distinguishing professional attribute: <em><strong>an unwavering dedication to their patients and to medicine as a whole</strong></em>. </p><p>In addition to his practice responsibilities, Dr. Gauta is active in shaping the future of healthcare in our region. He is an active member of the Florida Medical Association (and a past Board member) and is past president of the Collier County Medical Society. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from Albany Medical School, New York and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Tulane University School of Medicine. He resides in Naples with his wife Sue and 3 children.</p></div></div> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:38:27 -0500
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