(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Voiding Dysfunction Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Urology Department, one of the best specialised units in the region, is providing a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for men, women and children suffering from urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control is a common problem among children and adults. For most people, simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment can ease discomfort or stop urinary incontinence.
Dr Ardalan Ghafouri, urology consultant at the Voiding Dysfunction Unit, said the unit receives up to 100 patients every week and carries out bladder urodynamic examinations on about 400 patients annually. Patients are referred from different units within HMC, as well as primary health centres and the private sector.
The severity of the condition can range from occasionally leaking urine when a person coughs or sneezes, to having the urge to urinate that is so sudden and strong they may not get to a toilet in time.
Many people suffering from incontinence are often embarrassed about it and may even feel uncomfortable discussing the problem with their doctor. However, seeking prompt medical advice can ease or stop discomfort caused by the condition.
"The unit consists of a specialised medical team, including male and female doctors and nurses who cover the treatment of both genders. We understand the psychological impact this condition can have on people and ensure the utmost privacy of our patients. Our team is highly trained in providing competent and compassionate care to our patients," Dr Ghafouri added.
The official also pointed out that the unit is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment in the field of diagnosis and treatments. He added that the unit has the latest medical and surgical therapies available for treatment of any type of urinary problem.
Available treatments at the unit include: bladder training, fluid and diet management, pelvic floor muscle exercises, pelvic floor electrical stimulation, medical devices like pessaries, bulking material injections, botulinum toxin type A (botox) injection, interstim sacral neuromodulation, sling procedures, prolapse surgery and artificial urinary sphincter.
"If incontinence is frequent or is affecting a person's quality of life, it's important to seek medical advice because urinary incontinence may also indicate a more serious underlying medical condition," HMC's urology specialist, Dr Eyad al-Roubi noted.
According to Dr al-Roubi, types of incontinence include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence and problems when emptying the bladder or a weak urinary stream, as well as urine leaking during the night.
He explained that urinary incontinence can get worse by certain types of drinks such as alcohol, caffeine, decaffeinated tea and coffee, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners.
"Urinary incontinence isn't always preventable but certain factors can help decrease the risk of having the condition, such as maintaining a healthy weight; practising pelvic floor exercises especially during pregnancy; avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine and acidic foods; and eating more fibre, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence," Dr al-Roubi added.
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