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By Dr Tricia Kuo , Senior Urologist at Urohealth Medical Clinic

Younger men and women can suffer from symptoms like slow stream , urgency , incontinence or sensation of incomplete emptying . These are collectively called Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ( LUTS ). The likely diagnosis or underlying cause is usually only determined after seeing a doctor and having some simple tests done such as urine tests and / or scans . Simple solutions exist for issues that are straightforward like a short course of antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections ( UTI ). However , complex persistent problems like urinary incontinence , overactive bladder syndrome and voiding dysfunction require further treatment . Fortunately , there are now a range of treatment options including minimally invasive ways to solve these issues .

Overcoming Overactive Bladder ( OAB ) Syndrome This condition is characterized by a feature called urgency which is a sudden compelling desire to pass urine that is difficult to defer . Although lifestyle changes and medications do work well , some people do not respond as effectively , and some find long-term medications troublesome and costly .

Do not live with it ! Minimally invasive treatments are safe and effective . One option is the injection of Botox into the bladder wall to reduce the sensation and abnormal muscle contractions . Alternatively , electrical nerve stimulation which is very similar to acupuncture can be used . There are 2 types : Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation ( PTNS ) and Sacral Neuromodulation ( SMN ) ( Sacral Nerve Stimulation ( SNS )). PTNS is easily done in the outpatient setting . It involves passing a low almost undetectable electrical current through a small needle placed on the inside of the ankle . Whereas SNM introduces a new “ pacemaker ” for the bladder and allows modulation of the abnormal contractions . The ideal patient for nerve stimulation would be someone with no underlying neurological causes for the OAB , normal anatomy and someone who is willing to come for frequent trips for the treatment in the case of PTNS .

An uplift for those with Female Stress Urinary Incontinence ( SUI ) A myriad of devices is now in development for this issue that commonly affects women . Typically , those affected experience urine leaks that occur with any downward abdominal pressure like coughing , sneezing and exercise . However , gold standard treatments still yield the best long-term results . Besides pelvic floor exercises or kegels , these minimally invasive treatments include both tapes , slings for example tension-free vaginal tape , trans-obturator tapes and autologous fascial slings , and bulking agents . They can be done as day procedures and have a shorter recovery compared to older surgeries .

Surviving with male incontinence Men who have had prostate or colorectal cancer and subsequent pelvic surgery or radiation for treatment of cancer may find that they have urine issues including urine leaks . Fortunately , these symptoms are usually mild and can be managed conservatively . However , there is help for those who have moderate to severe leaks . These treatment options include bulking agents , insertion of male sling and the use of devices like the Artificial Urinary Sphincter ( AUS ).

The great news for patients with pelvic floor and bladder problems is that a wide range of treatment options are available . Selecting the right procedure for the right patient is the key to success .

Urohealth Medical Clinic Urohealth Medical Clinic provides an integrated urologic patient care with the highest level of expertise . We treat urology conditions concerning the prostate , kidneys , bladder and urinary tract . Our team of urologists has received training and experience from recognized universities and hospitals in the World and are committed to collaborate with each other to deliver comprehensive and customized care for every individual patient . We also aim to deliver a high standard and continuity of care through our broad and specialized network of resources and professional service providers including radiation oncology . Our years of experience have equipped us with skills that will allow us to continue to serve our patients in a trusted and safe environment .

Services we offer :

• Prostate Cancer Clinic

• Testicular Cancer Clinic

• Bladder Cancer Clinic

• Overactive Bladder Clinic

• Female Urology Clinic

• Men ’ s Sexual Health Clinic

• Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery

For enquiries and appointments , please contact us at :

Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital 38 Irrawaddy Road # 05-26 Singapore 329563 Tel : + 65-68733800 Email : info @ urohealth . sg Opening hours : Monday - Friday : 9am - 5pm Saturday : 8.30am - 12.30pm Sunday and Public Holidays : Closed

• Targeted Biopsy of Prostate

• GreenLight Laser for Prostate

• UroLift for Prostate

• Rezum for Prostate

• Dietary Guidance for Urological Conditions

• Adolescent Urology Clinic

Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D 820 Thomson Road # 06-67 Singapore 574623 Tel : + 65-62647588 Email : info @ urohealth . sg Opening hours : Monday - Friday : 9am - 5pm Saturday : 8.30am - 12.30pm Sunday and Public Holidays : Closed

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