Ever Since I Had My Baby
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(877) 846–3222
www.afud.org
Website includes information on overactive bladder.
American Urogynecology Society (AUGS)
2025 M Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 367–1167 www.augs.org
The foremost organization of urogynecologists in the United States. Website includes locate-a-physician features for finding a specialist in your area.
American Urological Association
(877) DRY–LIFE
www.drylife.org
Canadian Continence Foundation
P.O. Box 30, Victoria Branch
Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2V4
(800) 265–9575
www.continence-fdn.ca
International Urogynecology Association
1000 Central Street, Suite 730
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570–2750
www.iuga.org
Specialists in urinary and pelvic floor dysfunction from more than forty countries.
National Association for Continence
P.O. Box 8310
Spartanburg, SC 29305
(800) BLADDER or (864) 579–7900
www.nafc.org
A highly recommended site, with resources including tapes and manuals for learning pelvic-floor exercises, and a catalog for locating incontinence-related products. The resource guide contains an extensive listing of incontinence products, manufacturers, and distributors.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892
(800) 891–5388
www.niddk.nih.gov
E-mail: nkudic@aerie.com
The Simon Foundation for Continence
P.O. Box 835
Wilmette, IL 60091
(800) 23–SIMON
www.simonfoundation.org
Provides newsletters, educational materials, and videos.
OBSTETRICS, GYNECOLOGY, AND WOMEN’S HEALTH
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
13021 East Florence Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 946–8774
www.aagl.com
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
409 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
www.acog.org
American College of Nurse-Midwives
(202) 728–9860
www.midwife.org
Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services
422 Brynn Mawr Avenue
Bala-Cynwyd, PA 19004
(215) 667–7757
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217–8076
(888) 964–2001
www.iffgd.org
International Women’s Health Coalition
24 East 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
(212) 979–8500
www.iwhc.org
National Women’s Health Resource Center
2440 M Street, NW, Suite 325
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 293–6045
www.healthywomen.org
Nonprofit educational organization.
General Search Tools
www.medlineplus.com
Site of the National Library of Medicine. Research the medical literature for any topic or author, using keywords.
www.cochrane.de
International library of clinical trials on various medical topics, including childbirth and pelvic-floor disorders.
Commercial Websites
www.ivillage.com
Numerous bulletin boards and links on women’s-health topics.
www.childbirth.org
Focused on natural-delivery information.
www.babycenter.com
“Birth and Labor” section with information and links.
www.babyzone.com
“Birth and Labor” section with information and links.
www.thepregnancycentre.com
Australian site emphasizing physiotherapy.
www.obgyn.net
Large ob/gyn site with chat and message board, including mothers-to-be and doctors.
Companies and Products
The following selected references are included because their products are mentioned in the preceding chapters—not as a specific endorsement.
American Medical Systems, Inc
(800) 328–3881
www.visitams.com
Information on two female-incontinence procedures, including SPARC.
As We Change
(800) 203–5585
www.aswechange.com
Catalog of products for midlife women, including several pelvic-floor training devices.
Boston Scientific Corporation
(800) 225–3226
www.bsci.com
Products and devices for incontinence and pelvic-floor disorders.
Bruce Medical
(800) 225–8446
www.brucemedical.com
Incontinence products by mail.
Carbon Medical Technologies, Inc.
(877) 277–1788
www.carbonmed.com
Information on Durasphere injectable bulking agent.
C. R. Bard, Inc.
(800) 526–2687
www.bardcontigen.com
Contigen periurethral injections for stress incontinence.
Deschutes Medical Products, Inc.
(800) 383–2588
www.deschutesmed.com
Urinary incontinence products, including a handheld Kegel training device.
Endocare
(800) 438–8592
Vaginal cones.
Eli Lilly and Company
(800) 545–5979
www.lilly.com
Women’s-health pharmaceuticals, including a medication in development for stress urinary incontinence.
Empi, Inc.
(888) FOR–EMPI
www.empi.com
Products for pelvic-floor stimulation and related devices.
Fembrace, Inc.
(877) 535–6800
www.fembrace.com
Makers of the V-Brace support device.
FemiScan
(781) 259–0489
Portable pelvic-floor exercise and biofeedback system for home use.
Gynecare (Division of Ethicon, Inc., Johnson & Johnson)
(888) GYNECARE
www.ethicon.com or www.gynecare.com
Information on the TVT incontinence procedure.
Hollister, Inc.
(800) 323–4060
www.hollister.com
Pelvic-floor biofeedback and electrical-stimulation devices. Website contains educational resources.
Kegelmaster 2000, Ltd.
(877) 796–8267
www.kegelmaster.com
Progressive-resistance vaginal exerciser.
Kimberly Clark
(800) 558–6423
www.depend.com
Depends and other absorbent products.
Medtronic, Inc.
(800) 328–2518
www.medtronic.com
The Interstim (pelvic pacemaker) for urinary control.
Mentor Urology, Inc.
(800) 525–8161
www.mentorcorp.com
Pessaries and incontinence-related products, including the SABRE sling.
Milex, Inc.
(773) 736–5500 or (800) 621–1278
www.milexproducts.com
Pessaries and vaginal cones.
Neotonus, Inc.
(800) 717–0714
www.neocontrol.com
The magnetic chair for pelvic-floor stimulation therapy.
Ortho-McNeil
(800) 682–6532
www.ortho-mcneil.com
Pharmaceuticals, including Ditropan XL for overactive bladder.
Pelvic Muscle Therapy (PMTx)
(800) 442–7689
A pelvic-floor training device.
Pharmacia and Upjohn
(888) 768–5501
www.pharmacia.com
Pharmaceuticals, including Detrol LA for overactive bladder.
Rochester Medical
(800) FEM–SOFT
www.rocm.com
The Femsoft urethral insert.
ShopInPrivate.com
(800) 809–0610
Wide range of incontinence and feminine items, ranging from absorbent products to FemTone vaginal weights.
www.shopinprivate.com
Step-Free Vaginal Cones
(877) 933–9300
SURx, Inc.
(877) ASK–SURX
www.surx.com
Radio-frequency bladder neck suspension device.
Tena, Inc.
(800) 992–9939
www.tena-usa.com
Serenity absorbent products (formerly Promise).
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
(800) TEA–LEAF
www.coffeebean.com
Acid-neutral coffees for diet-sensitive symptoms.
UroSurge, Inc.
(800) 658–5965
www.urosurge.com
Bladder retraining devices and SANS system.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(800) 272–5525
www.watsonpharm.com
Producer of the only existing transdermal (skin-patch) medication for overactive bladder.
Glossary
Anal Incontinence: Loss of control over gas or stool.
Anal Sphincter: Circular muscles that surround the anal opening and maintain control over the bowel contents.
Anal Sphincteroplasty: The surgical repair of a torn anal sphincter muscle; for the treatment of fecal incontinence.
Androgens: Male hormones, of which testosterone is the most important; also present in women in much lower amounts.
Anorectal Manometry: A test that measures pressure, strength, and sensation within the anus and rectum. Sometimes used during the evaluation of anal incontinence.
Anterior Colporrhaphy: A vaginal operation to repair certain types of cystoceles.
Anticholinergics: Medications commonly used to treat overactive-bladder symptoms.
Anus: The lowest part of the gastrointestinal tract, between the rectum and anal sphincter.
Atrophy (Urogenital, Vaginal, Vulvar): Thinning of the tissues of the urinary and genital tract, most commonly resulting from a lack of estrogen. A common cause of irritation, infections, and discomfort with intercourse.
Autonomic Nervous System: Nerves that control involuntary systems in the body; for example, heartbeat, breathing, and bladder function.
Bacterial Vaginosis: An overgrowth of certain vaginal bacteria causing discharge and irritation.
Biofeedback: A technique providing feedback—in the form of a visual or audio signal—when pelvic-floor exercises are performed correctly. Used to improve pelvic muscle strength, enhance control over the bladder and bowels, and alleviate certain other pelvic symptoms.
Bladder: The muscular organ that stores urine.
Bladder Drills: A technique for retraining an overactive bladder to improve urinary symptoms and urge incontinence. The time between voids is increased gradually and systematically, improving the bladder’s ability to tolerate increasing fullness.
Bladder Spasm: A sudden and involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle, causing an urge to urinate (see Overactive Bladder).
Burch Urethropexy (Retropubic Bladder-Neck Suspension): An operation for certain types of urinary stress incontinence, performed through an abdominal incision or sometimes laparoscopically.
Candidiasis: The most common type of vaginal yeast infection, caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast.
Catheter: A flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine.
Cervix: The narrow bottom portion of the uterus.
Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder’s inner lining, most commonly resulting from a bacterial infection but with a variety of other noninfectious causes.
Cystocele: Dropping of the bladder, due to weakening of the upper vaginal wall.
Cystometry: A test measuring pressure within the bladder while it is filled with fluid. Often used to diagnose an overactive bladder.
Cystoscopy: Inspection of the inner bladder surface through a small telescopic camera.
Cystourethrography: A specialized X-ray picture of the bladder and urethra.
Defecography: A specialized X ray of the anus and rectum, performed during straining and defecation.
Detrusor: The muscular wall of the bladder.
Diuretic: A substance (water pill) that causes the kidneys to excrete water and salt from the body.
Diverticulum: An outpouching from the wall of the bladder or urethra; can lead to irritation and infection.
Dysuria: An uncomfortable burning sensation during urination.
Endoanal Ultrasound: A specialized ultrasound used to identify hidden injuries in the anal sphincter. Sometimes used during the evaluation of anal incontinence.
Eneuresis (Nocturnal Eneuresis): Involuntary leakage of urine at night (bed-wetting).
Enterocele: A prolapse bulge caused by the small intestines bulging into the top of the vagina.
Episiotomy: A cut made into the perineum during childbirth, creating more space for delivery.
Estrogen: The main female hormone produced by the ovaries. Also available as medication.
Fibroids: Benign muscular growths (tumors) within the wall of the uterus.
Fistula: An abnormal hole or passage between the vagina and an adjacent structure, such as bladder, rectum, intestine, or uterus.
Frequency: Voiding at an abnormally frequent interval (going too often).
Hematuria: Blood in the urine.
Hemorrhoids: Swollen tender areas around the anus or rectum, resulting from engorged veins.
Hesitancy: Difficulty initiating the urinary stream.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Female hormones (estrogen, progestins) taken in the form of pills or patches as a substitute for natural ovarian hormones after they are no longer produced.
Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus.
Interstitial Cystitis: An inflammatory condition in the bladder causing frequent urination, nighttime voiding, and pain.
Intravenous Pyelogram: A specialized X-ray picture of the kidneys and upper urinary system above the bladder.
Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency (ISD): A type of stress urinary incontinence characterized by thin and weak urethral walls; also called the low-pressure urethra.
Kegel Exercise: See “Pelvic-Floor Exercises.”
Lactobacillus Acidophilus: A good bacteria found naturally in the vagina; helps to reduce the odds of bad bacteria causing infections. Also contained in certain foods, such as yogurt, and available in over-the-counter supplements.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH): Removal of the uterus using a combination of laparoscopic and vaginal techniques.
Laparoscopy: Abdominal surgery performed through minimally invasive keyhole incisions using telescopic operating devices and fiber-optic lighting.
Laparotomy: An open surgical incision on the abdomen.
Libido: Sex drive.
Macrosomia: A large newborn, usually defined as greater than 4,000 to 4,500 grams.
Magnetic Innervation Therapy: A chair equipped with an electromagnetic stimulating device; used for treating urinary incontinence.
Marshall-Marchetti-Kranz (MMK) Procedure: An operation for urinary stress incontinence, performed through an open abdominal incision.
Menopause: The permanent cessation of menstrual cycles and ovarian hormone production.
Mixed Incontinence: Having a combination of two or more incontinence types: stress, urge, and overflow.
Needle Suspension (Stamey or Raz Procedures): Operations
for urinary stress incontinence that stabilize the urethra, using small incisions and specialized needle devices. They have been largely replaced by newer, minimally invasive techniques.
Neuromodulation: An implantable pacemaker used to treat overactive-bladder symptoms and certain forms of pelvic pain and urinary retention. The device is surgically inserted beneath the skin of the lower back.
Nocturia: Waking frequently at night to urinate.
Overactive Bladder: A condition caused by involuntary bladder contractions, leading to urinary frequency, strong bladder urges, nighttime voiding, and urge incontinence.
Osteoporosis: Loss of bone density (thinning) associated with an increased risk of fractures.
Overflow Incontinence: Urine leakage resulting from a bladder that fails to empty and spills when the urine amount exceeds its capacity.
Paravaginal Defect: A type of cystocele that occurs when the upper vaginal wall detaches from its areas of fixation along the sides of the pelvis.
Paravaginal Repair: Surgical correction of a paravaginal defect.
Pelvic Floor: A complex layer of muscles beneath the abdominal and pelvic organs that supports and helps control the bladder, urethra, vagina, uterus, and rectum.
Pelvic-Floor Electrical Stimulation: Stimulation of the pelvic-floor muscles and nerves with a gentle electrical current. Used for the treatment of incontinence, overactive bladder, and certain types of pelvic or sexual pain.
Pelvic-Floor (Kegel) Exercises: Exercises that strengthen the levator muscles; used to treat certain types of urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Dropping or bulging of a pelvic organ, such as the uterus, vaginal walls, bladder, rectum, or bowels (see Cystocele, Enterocele, Rectocele, Uterine Prolapse, Vaginal Vault Prolapse).
Pelvimetry: Measurements of the pelvic bones, with special focus on the areas most important for vaginal birth.
Pelvis: The bones surrounding the pelvic cavity and its organs.
Perineal Massage: A technique used during pregnancy and childbirth to soften the perineal tissues, preparing them for delivery.
Perineometer: A device that measures the strength of pelvic-floor (Kegel) squeezes.