Incontinence is a problem that affects millions of women, of all ages.  As a routine part of caring for women in our practice, we encourage our patients to describe any problems they have with their bladders.  When we identify a problem, we ask questions like the following.

Do you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise?

Do you leak urine on the way to the bathroom?

Do you have intense and sudden bladder urges you cannot control?

Do you go to the bathroom more than 8 times a day?

Do you wake up more than 2 times at night just to go to the bathroom?

Do you need to know the location of bathrooms when traveling or out shopping?

Are you afraid you will leak urine during sex?

Do you wear protection just in case you leak urine?

If our patients answer yes to any of these questions, then we talk about approaches to urinary control.  Almost without exception, our patients tell us that they wish they had not waited so long to talk about, and resolve, a problem that is inconvenient, embarrassing… and often highly treatable. 

Urodynamic testing, a simple office procedure that is often a part of the evaluation of incontinence, is available right here in Blue Hill through our Specialty Clinic, which is also located in the Sussman Medical Office Building. Dr. Ober will determine whether this testing is necessary based on an initial office evaluation prior to finalizing a treatment plan.

Often we can help some women identify convenient, non-surgical solutions as part of a simple office visit.   Non-surgical approaches may include behavioral modification (eg. dietary and fluid intake changes, bladder “retraining”), physical therapy (pelvic floor therapy), and medications (eg. Detrol, Vesicare).   Other women’s needs are met by outpatient surgery at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital.  We utilize minimally invasive, state-of-the-art procedures and materials.  Recovery times are minimal and most women notice an immediate difference.

The most rewarding part of my practice is helping women address their healthcare need and issues.  Sometimes these issues are so personal that my patients have never spoken to anyone about them before.  Whether a patient is concerned about infertility, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or painful periods, I am committed to helping her achieve the best possible quality of life.  And I want to do this with minimal inconvenience, discomfort, and cost.

Kathleen Ober, MD