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Emmy award-winning reporter John Biffar, hosts the local medical series Health Matters which airs on NBC2 News Today weekday mornings between 5-5:30 a.m. and during NBC2 News at 4:00 p.m.
 
 
 

      

New Incontinence Procedure
April 10, 2009

It’s a common problem that makes a lot of people uneasy. Urinary incontinence: the accidental leaking of urine during a cough, sneeze, even a laugh.

 

But there are new, advanced treatments in that are gaining in popularity, in hopes of easing the discomfort  “We are noticing that women are becoming more pro-active in their health and their trying to get things fixed sooner,” says Dr. Caroline Langford, a urologic surgeon on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.

 

Aside from the traditional Kegel exercises, new forms of treatment are coming to the forefront. “There are other modalities that we offer here. Including bio-feedback which is an actual reprogramming of the bladder and the muscles and nerves of the pelvis to coordinate properly so they hold the urine better,” says Dr. Langford. Even surgical procedures are being performed. “Pessaries can be used and slings can be used, which are little polyester mesh, for lack of a better term, hammocks, that go underneath the urethra and hold urine in as you cough, sneeze or do physical activity,” explains Dr. Langford.

 

It’s important to note that each treatment is based on an individual case, so speak to your doctor about which one works best for you. Thirty-five percent of all adults admit to dealing with urine incontinence on a daily basis.