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H E A LT H Y FA M I L I E S
Stress Incontinence — a.k.a. Leaky Bladder NATHAN BERTOLDO, MD, OB/GYN
Valley Women's Health
Many women develop something called stress urinary incontinence as they age. This involves involuntary leakage of urine with many different activities such as exercise, laughing, coughing, sneezing, or jumping on a trampoline. This can be caused by the aging process (decreased collagen production with age), genetic impact on health, pregnancies, weight gain, or a change in hormonal levels. These processes can lead to other common issues that affect urinary continence and daily life, as well as moments of intimacy. It is now possible to treat the issue, as well as prevent it without surgery. In the past, the mainstay nonsurgical treatment for urinary incontinence was physical therapy for many years (Kegels). Often times for vaginal dryness or irritation, a prescription for hormones was given to patients with hopes the issue would correct itself. Often some
improvement was noticed, but it required continued application. Some patients are not candidates for hormones due to other health issues, like breast cancer. Surgery was the last chance at fixing the problem and usually was done at the point that it had progressed to a problematic, prolapsing point. Surgery can be very effective but is definitely invasive in nature. This is where FORMA V comes in and provides the best of both worlds with a noninvasive preventive treatment that almost all women are candidates to receive. Whether you are 6-weeks postpartum or entering menopause, this procedure can help improve your feminine health. FORMA V is a simple and quick nonsurgical procedure that is changing the lives of women who have experienced vaginal laxity. This consists of Radio Frequency (RF) treatment to internal vaginal tissues to improve collagen
production for tightening and increased blood flow. Patients report reduction in stress incontinence/urinary leakage, improved vaginal lubrication, improved stimulation, and tightening of the vaginal canal tissues. This is a revolutionary non-surgical approach to restoring internal and external vaginal and vulvar tissues. It rejuvenates tissue and alleviates many common symptoms that women experience after childbirth, menopause, aging, cancer treatments, and more. It is a safe and effective way to restore tissue without added hormones. Vaginal rejuvenation can treat: • Low blood flow and sensitivity • Decrease in sexual interest and self-esteem • Vaginal laxity (stretched out appearance) • Stress urinary leakage with coughing, laughing, or jumping • Vaginal dryness • Sexual dysfunction or pain PREVENTIVE USE Women can use FORMA V anytime in their adult life to alleviate symptoms; however, one of the most effective ways to use this technology is to have a treatment just 6 weeks after childbirth as a preventive approach. Research indicates that having a preventive treatment can lift the pelvic floor by up to 40% and prevent many of the negative symptoms from occurring, such as bladder leakage, loose tissue, itching or burning, and more. By restoring the health of the tissue, the dryness that many women experience after childbirth can be prevented. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT'S RIGHT FOR YOU? FORMA V can work well for those who have undergone menopause, those who have given birth, and those who are experiencing symptoms similar to post-menopause because of breast cancer treatments or a hysterectomy. If you are having issues with bladder leakage continued on next page ...
