That persistent feeling of needing to go, even after you’ve just used the bathroom, can be more than just an annoyance.
It can be a sign of urinary retention, a condition that affects millions of women and can significantly impact their quality of life. If you’re struggling with this frustrating issue, know that you don’t have to face it alone.
At Aguirre Specialty Care, we understand the challenges of urinary retention, and we’re here to offer you compassionate, personalized care and effective treatment options.
What is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention is the inability to completely empty your bladder. It can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination, even in small amounts
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
If left untreated, urinary retention can increase your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and even kidney damage. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional help if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Why Choose Aguirre Specialty Care for Your Urinary Retention Treatment?
At Aguirre Specialty Care, we believe in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for women with pelvic floor and bladder issues. When you choose us for your urinary retention treatment, you can expect:
- Expertise: Our team of urogynecologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female pelvic floor, including urinary retention. We have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the best possible care.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, including urodynamic testing and/or cystourethroscopy, to accurately diagnose the cause of your urinary retention and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We offer a wide range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
- Innovative Technology: We utilize the latest advancements in urogynecology, including InterStim™ and Axonics® therapies, to provide you with the most effective treatment possible.
- Compassionate Care: We understand the sensitive nature of bladder issues and strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment for all our patients.
Treatment Options: Exploring Your Path to Relief
At Aguirre Specialty Care, we believe in empowering you with choices. We offer a variety of treatment options for urinary retention, ranging from conservative therapies to minimally invasive surgical procedures.
1. Non-Surgical Treatment
For many women, non-surgical treatments can effectively manage urinary retention and improve their quality of life. These options include:
- Pelvic Floor Therapy: Retraining Your Muscles for Better Bladder Control
- Pelvic floor therapy involves a series of visits with a specialized physical therapist who will guide you through exercises and techniques to strengthen and coordinate the muscles involved in bladder control.
- This therapy often incorporates biofeedback, where you’ll use an intravaginal device to visualize and control your pelvic floor muscle contractions.
- Functional electrical stimulation may also be used to gently stimulate the nerves and muscles in your pelvis, helping them to function more normally.
- Behavioral Modification: Lifestyle Changes for Bladder Health
- Simple adjustments to your daily habits can make a big difference in managing urinary retention.
- We’ll provide you with guidance on dietary changes, fluid intake modifications, and other lifestyle adjustments that can support your bladder health and reduce your symptoms.
- Vaginal Pessary: Supporting Your Bladder Naturally
- If your urinary retention is related to a prolapsed bladder, a vaginal pessary may be recommended.
- This removable device is inserted into the vagina to provide support to the bladder and improve its emptying.
- We offer a variety of pessary types and sizes to ensure a comfortable and effective fit for you.
- For some women, clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) may be necessary to ensure complete bladder emptying.
- This involves inserting a small, flexible tube into your urethra to drain any remaining urine after you’ve used the bathroom.
- We’ll provide you with thorough instructions and support to make this process as easy and comfortable as possible.
2. Surgical Treatment: Minimally Invasive Solutions for Lasting Relief
If conservative treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief, or if your urinary retention is caused by an underlying structural issue, we offer several minimally invasive surgical options:
- InterStim™ Therapy: Neurostimulation for Improved Bladder Function
- InterStim™ therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the sacral nerves, which play a key role in bladder control.
- This therapy can be highly effective for women with non-obstructive urinary retention who haven’t responded to other treatments.
- Axonics® Therapy: Rechargeable Neurostimulation for Long-Term Relief
- Axonics® therapy is another innovative neurostimulation option that offers the advantage of a rechargeable implant, eliminating the need for battery replacement surgeries.
- This therapy can provide long-term relief from urinary retention and other bladder and bowel issues.
- Urethrolysis or Sling Release: Correcting Prior Procedures
- In some cases, urinary retention may be a complication of a previous anti-incontinence surgery.
- If this is the case, we may recommend urethrolysis or sling release to address the issue and restore normal bladder function.
- These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis and involve minimal recovery time.
Aftercare: Supporting Your Recovery and Long-Term Success
Your journey to bladder health doesn’t end with the treatment itself. At Aguirre Specialty Care, we’re committed to providing comprehensive aftercare to ensure your optimal recovery and long-term success. Depending on your chosen treatment, your aftercare plan may include:
- Follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed
- Physical therapy sessions to continue strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and improving bladder control
- Medication management to address any underlying conditions or manage symptoms
- Detailed instructions and support for self-catheterization or pessary care
We’ll be with you every step of the way, providing guidance, encouragement, and ongoing support to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Take the First Step Towards a Happier, Healthier Bladder
If you’re ready to say goodbye to the frustration and discomfort of urinary retention, Aguirre Specialty Care is here for you. Our compassionate team of experts is dedicated to helping you regain control of your bladder and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.
