Dr. Moukarzel's office
Elias Moukarzel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
OBGYN & Urogynecology located in El Centro, CA
If you’ve ever sneezed or coughed so hard that you experienced bladder leakage, help is available. Elias Moukarzel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS can help you take control of bladder pain and leakage, so you can start feeling like yourself again. Call our office at 760-352-4103 to book your appointment.
Urodynamics & PTNS Q & A
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence includes a series of conditions that affect your bladder. You may lose some urine or have difficulty making it to the bathroom in time. Some of the symptoms of overactive bladder include:
- Inability to fully empty your bladder
- Feeling like your bladder is always full
- Nocturia: Waking up at night to urinate
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary infections
- Bladder tumors
- Bladder Stones
- Diabetes
- Neurological problems: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons Diease, Spine problems
These could be warning signs of chronic bladder conditions, including interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder.
What is the role of Urodynamics in Bladder Incontinence?
Urodynamic testing or urodynamics is a study that assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic tests can help explain symptoms such as:
- incontinence
- frequent urination
- sudden, strong urges to urinate but nothing comes out
- problems starting a urine stream
- painful urination
- problems emptying the bladder completely (Vesical tenesmus, detrusor failure)
- recurrent urinary tract infections
Urodynamics will provide the physician with the information necessary to diagnose the cause and nature of a patient’s incontinence, thus giving the best treatment options available.
Does percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation improve overactive bladder symptoms?
Studies show that percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, or PTNS, treatments improve bladder issues up to 80% of the time. PTNS involves inserting a slim needle electrode near your tibial nerve in your ankle and transmitting mild electrical sensations to the nerve.
Over time, you will gain better control of your bladder and have less leakage. Most women need about 12 weekly 30-minute sessions to start. Once your treatment plan is complete, Elias Moukarzel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS will re-evaluate your bladder function.
