Queen’s Journey to Motherhood: Part 5
Part 5 of Queen’s journey to motherhood. Watch Queen as she shares her experiences of becoming a mother after a high-risk pregnancy.
Queen’s Journey to Motherhood: Part 4
Part 4 of Queen’s journey towards motherhood and how Cherokee Women’s Health helped her realize her dreams of being a mom.
Queen’s Journey to Motherhood: Part 2
Part 2 of a video series. Queen continues to share her journey towards motherhood.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Dr. Litrel
Dr. Michael Litrel discusses treatment for pelvic organ prolapse can help improve quality of life.
Miscarriage: A Father’s Grief
A father’s grief after a miscarriage is often overlooked. Miscarriage and subsequent pregnancies often center on the emotions of the mother only: the grieving and anxiety of losing a baby, and the nerve-racking experience of becoming pregnant again with a “Rainbow Baby”. A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage, thus becoming the “rainbow after the storm.” Sharing Grief With the Husband and Learning To Live With Grief and Joy Fathers often feel they have to be “strong for the mother,” so they may put their grief on the back burner, all while silently suffering alone. But solitary grieving can take a toll on a marriage, especially during stressful times, like losing a baby. “Rainbow Mom” Mariah Foster and her husband lost their unborn daughter, Raelynn, late in Mariah’s pregnancy, from a cord accident. She shares their experience and the words of advice from their doctor, who told her to pay attention to how the experience affected not only her, but also her husband and their relationship as a married couple. “After I lost my daughter, Dr. Litrel asked to see us so he could see how we were doing. His advice was not to try to cover up our grief with antidepressants. He told us to go ahead and scream, yell, even be mad at God – but especially to learn how each other grieves.” Mom Mariah shares how she coped with the devastation of miscarriage Miscarriage is Hard on Men Too Mariah said Dr. Litrel told them that the father’s grief is often overlooked, and that he had seen couples divorce after losing a baby because neither understood how the other grieves. “He told me to pay attention to my husband during this time of being sad. He said it’s hard for the man, too – and they grieve in a different way from the woman. “That conversation opened our eyes. And honestly, the grieving process built on our communication and compromise skills.” Mariah shares that Dr. Litrel also advised them to ‘talk about our daughter and use her name’, telling us to take time to enjoy each other, so we could accept the loss better and go on with the marriage. He didn’t want us to lose what we had. He also didn’t want us to try to have another, but just to ‘let it happen’, so he did not prescribe birth control for me. Smiling at the baby beside her in the stroller, Mariah says, “Eleven months later we ended up having our wonderful Rainbow Baby, Cayson Charles. Cayson means ‘Healer’ in Gaelic,” she explains. Getting Pregnant Again is Scary Mariah comments that becoming pregnant after a miscarriage is not the purely joyful experience everyone assumes it will be. “You know, everyone’s excited when you’re pregnant with a rainbow baby, but it’s a lot harder. I was nervous. When I hit nine months and said, “I need to be induced!” I finally ended up having a C-section — and the most beautiful rainbow baby. “During the pregnancy, Dr. Litrel had us on a strict schedule of seeing doctors and also the specialist. By 29-30 weeks, we were going to the doctor every week. “Pregnancy with a Rainbow Baby is nerve-racking. You want to feel him every second of the day. When he’s not moving, you’re panicking.” “The scariest time was at one point, when I slipped and fell at work. I thought at that point I was going to lose him. Dr. Litrel and really, all the medical staff, did everything for us. “They gave me a Doppler (a hand-held monitor) so I could check on Cayson, and seeing him on the screen helped me so much with my anxiety. “Pregnancy with a rainbow baby is nerve-racking. You want to feel him every second of the day. When he’s not moving, you’re panicking. You lay on your left side, you drink ice water, you try all the tricks the doctors tell you. There were times I went to Northside Hospital and just said, ‘Hey, I just need you to do an ultrasound. I can’t find my baby on the Doppler.’ They were great and really supportive during the entire pregnancy.” The Grieving Process “Losing Raelynn was hard for my husband, and sometimes it still is. He’ll take a picture of Cayson, which is his way of grieving. He’ll say, ‘I want to be with him so much, because sometimes he fills that void.’ When Cayson was crawling at six months, my husband was excited to see him, and he’d say, ‘Wow, Raelynn, look what your little brother is doing!’ Mariah wipes away a tear. “It’s hard to explain how it feels because the grieving never stops. “We actually planted a tree for my daughter, and we watch it grow, and talk about it all the time. We got a bird feeder and all the birds come so we can feed them. It’s really sweet. Getting Support “The grievance counselors at Northside are really great and so supportive. On Facebook, there’s a group called Rainbows of Atlanta. When you’re having a hard time — when that anniversary comes up and it’s the week you lost your baby — you can get on that group and post at 4 a.m., and you know someone is going to comment. Someone will be there. It’s so rewarding to see women back each other up. They give advice, and they’re just there.” Mariah smiles and gives her rainbow baby Cayson (aka the Healer), a kiss. Her eyes glisten, but there is happiness there, too. After Miscarriage – Stories of Hope Reading stories of hope from others who have experienced what you’re going through can help you feel not so alone. Here, we share stories from patients who suffered from miscarriage and how they got through it. Sheila suffered many miscarriages so we sat down with her to get her story and learn what she had to overcome to eventually have three Rainbow Babies. Jamie shares her story of
The Top GYN Procedures: Dr. Litrel Explains Cosmetic GYN & GYN Terms
Have you ever wondered what the difference between vaginoplasty and labiaplasty is but have been to embarrassed to ask? Never fear, here’s a list of cosmetic and GYN glossary terms in plain English, broken down by surgery type. Vaginoplasty: Tightening of the entire vaginal canal from the opening to the cervix (or the apex of the vagina, if hysterectomy was performed). Hymenoplasty: Restoration of the hymen to restore anatomic state, which can be done at the time of vaginoplasty, if patient desires. Cosmetic GYN Surgery on the External Genitalia Labiaplasty: Reshaping the labia minora or inner lips for improvement in appearance and to diminish labial irritation with clothing and during sex. Clitoral Hoodectomy: Removal of excess skin covering the clitoris to create a better appearance and to help with clitoral orgasm. Perineoplasty: Reshaping the external opening to the vagina for a smaller, more youthful appearance. This is performed during vaginoplasty or can be done without vaginoplasty, if vaginal tightening is not desired. Labia Majora Reduction: Reshaping the labia majora or outer lips for a better appearance. Learn more! Download our FREE Vaginal Rejuvenation eBook. Female Reconstructive And Reparative Surgery (Usually Covered By Medical Insurance) Anterior Repair: Repair of cystocele or bulging of bladder using natural tissue or biological graft or synthetic material. Posterior Repair: Repair of rectocele or bulging of rectum using natural tissue or biological graft. Enterocele Repair: Repair of enterocele or the sagging of the top of the vagina using natural tissue or biological graft or synthetic material. Incontinence Repair: Repair of leakage of urine using native tissue, biological graft or synthetic material. Endometrial Ablation: Outpatient or in-office procedure to diminish or eliminate menstrual bleeding without changing hormone status. Hysterectomy: Removal of uterus to stop periods and pelvic pain associated with menses and sexual intercourse (pelvic pain with thrusting motions). Or, to remove tumors or pathology once childbearing is complete. During this procedure, removal of fallopian tubes (or salpingectomy) is strongly recommended to decrease the risk of future cancer. Oophorectomy: Removal of ovary or ovaries for pelvic pain associated with sex or menses or is chronic or for cyst or mass. These are the organs that secrete hormones so removal of both will result in surgical menopause. Removal of one ovary will not affect hormones. Removal of one ovary is recommended once a woman is in menopause if hysterectomy is performed to decrease risk of cancer. If a woman has significant chronic pain on one side of her pelvis during her cycles or sex or chronic, removal of that ovary is considered. Enterolysis: Minimally invasive (laparascopic or robotic) removal of internal adhesions of bowel to pelvic organs that cause pelvic pain with sex, menses, bowel movements or is chronic in nature. Removal/Fulgurtion of Endometriosis: Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) removal and destruction of endometriosis lesions that cause painful menses or pain with sex or is chronic. Salpingectomy: Removal of tubes for sterilization. Note: Tubal ligation without removal of tubes is not recommended because tubal removal will decrease future cancer risks but tubal ligation will not. Make an Appointment Today Still have questions? schedule an appointment online or call us at 770.721.6060.
Why Is My Sex Drive So Low?
by Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS Every week women ask me why their sex drive is so low. “Help me so I can enjoy sex more and want it more often,” they say. Then they ask me to check their hormones and to give them a physical examination. This is a popular topic among women and it’s everywhere in the media. Patients ask me about the latest fads they’d seen touted as the latest, greatest best thing. They ask about bioidentical hormones. Vaginal rejuvenation. Sexual vitamins. G-spot enhancement. clitoral hood reduction. The list goes on. Treatments of all sorts are advertised to women of all ages to solve a low sex drive. And it’s true that some solutions, when chosen for the right person, can transform a woman’s sexual responsiveness. Sometimes a woman’s sex drive is low for a good reason. But something that’s not broken can’t be fixed. Other times there is something that can be done. Asking the right questions is the key to understanding how to help them. Five Key Questions for Women With a Low Sex Drive 1) Has your sex drive dropped or has it stayed more or less the same? Many women are convinced they have a low sex drive because they compare their desire for sexual contact with their male partner’s. However, men and women typically have vastly different desires for sexual intercourse. The typical woman’s sexual desire usually ranges from once or twice a week to once or twice a month. The typical man’s is once or twice a day. This discrepancy accounts for the feeling many women have that there is something wrong with them. That said, if a woman’s sex drive has suddenly dropped, a woman should consult with her doctor to determine the reason. If it’s always been low, chances are that’s the way you are. 2) What is your childbearing history? There is a myth that women reach their sexual peak in their forties. This is the idea that women in this age range finally becoming sexually liberated from natural inhibitions. The idea is that the forty-year-old woman now has a sexual desire and ability to orgasm that has reached new heights. There are specific circumstances in which this occurs, but it is the exception rather than the rule. Women in their forties who have not yet had children can have a very high sex drive. But oftentimes, there’s a reason for this. Women who have small children will often see their sex drive plummet. When toddlers and grade school children require constant mothering, there is often little left for the woman’s partner. And women who are breastfeeding often have the lowest sex drive of all women. After all, she has a baby feeding off her body all day long and when she puts her head on her pillow at night, the last thing she wants is for more physical contact. Men will often say, “You used to want to have sex, I think there is something wrong with you.” It’s at this point that she’ll seek my help. Or, her partner will send her in to see me. 3) Does sex hurt or do you have pain with your cycles? There are two main reasons why sex hurts. One has to do with vaginal dryness. This is pain with entry, which commonly occurs with menopause. The ovaries stop producing estrogen which leads to thinning of the vaginal lining, which exposes nerves and decreases lubrication. There is more pain and less pleasure and a reduced desire for sex. This can be treated with topical estrogen cream or even more advanced office procedures, such as ThermiVa. Other women commonly hurt with sex because they experience pelvic pain with their menstrual cycles. This is painful sex from the actual thrusting motion. If a woman missed school during her adolescence because of discomfort during her cycle or if her mother needed a hysterectomy for pelvic pain, it’s very likely she has endometriosis or internal scarring of her internal reproductive anatomy. This patient needs a gynecological evaluation, particularly if she has not had children, is experiencing infertility or if she experiences pain more than a couple of days a month. Women with back pain during their cycles often have a tilted uterus that can be corrected by an experienced surgeon during an outpatient laparoscopy. 4) How is your general health? In the same way that a person’s appetite for food drops when they’re not feeling well, so does their appetite for sex. When you are in bed with the flu you don’t want to eat and you don’t want to be sexually active. But if you are chronically unhealthy, your desire for sex will be low as well. The most common reason for poor health in America is lifestyle. As a society, we are sedentary and we eat addictive, poorly nutritious food. Patients with cancer and heart disease don’t come to my office complaining of low sex drives. But overweight patients who consume a steady diet of unhealthy foods and don’t exercise often complain of a lack of sexual desire. Exercise and nutritious plant-based diets raise testosterone levels and other important hormones responsible for not only sex drive but also an overall sense of youth and vigor. 5) Do you have orgasms? Many women cannot have orgasms with sexual intercourse. Clitoral stimulation is the main way for a woman to achieve sexual climax. Unlike a man’s sex drive that ends with ejaculation, many women don’t focus on the biological climax but rather the emotional and physical intimacy. But a woman who does not orgasm can see her sex drive eventually plummet. It’s important to understand your body and to know how you achieve physical gratification from sexual activity. Many women need vibrators applied directly to their clitoral region to achieve climax. The first step is masturbation alone when you can discover for yourself what causes you to climax. This can then be incorporated into sexual activity with your partner. Good communication
What is Pelvic Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) refers to the sagging or drooping of any pelvic organs due to damage, trauma, childbirth or injury. The pelvic floor consists of a group of cradle-shaped muscles that hold pelvic organs in place. The pelvic organs include the uterus, bladder, cervix, vagina, rectum and intestines. Like any other part of the body, these muscles, with their surrounding tissues (fascia), can develop problems. If you fill a small plastic bag with grocery items, say for instance, a box of cereal, a few cans of vegetables, some jars and a package of rice —the bag should hold the items with no problem. But if you hang that full bag on a wall hook and leave it suspended, you’ll start to notice the items in it begin to bulge against the membrane of the bag as it takes on the shape of its contents. After a while, depending on how heavy the items are, the corner of the cereal box or rim of a can may start to bulge and even poke through as the bag stretches, weakens and eventually tears from the weight of the items in it. The groceries may even begin to protrude and dangle outside of the bag as the tears get larger. Pelvic prolapse happens much the same way. As the muscles and tissues holding the pelvic organs weaken, degrade or tear, the pelvic organs slip or drop through, sometimes forming a small hanging internal bulge. At other times, depending on the damage, they may actually dangle externally from the vagina or anus, causing problems and inhibiting their function. This is called prolapse. Who is at Risk for Pelvic Organ Prolapse? One in three women suffer from POP. Any activity that puts undue pressure on the abdomen can cause pelvic floor disorders. Typically, labor and childbirth are the leading causes of prolapse, especially when a woman has had several children, a long, difficult labor, or has given birth to a larger child.Pelvic organ prolapse becomes more common with age, usually around menopause when tissues damaged during a woman’s childbearing years begin to lose strength. Other causes are: What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse? It is entirely possible not to have any symptoms at all. Sometimes pelvic organ prolapse is only discovered during a routine gynecological examination. Minor symptoms are a feeling of annoying pressure of the uterus or other pelvic organs against the vaginal wall, minimal malfunction of those organs, and mild discomfort. Other symptoms are: Symptoms may be aggravated by jumping, lifting or standing. Relief is usually found after lying down for a while. When Should You See Your Doctor? If you have increased sensations of pelvic pressure or pulling which is exacerbated by lifting or straining, but relieved when you lie down. Diagnosis At times, pelvic organ prolapse may be hard to diagnose, especially if a patient does not complain of any symptoms. Patients might be aware there’s a problem but cannot actually pinpoint its location. After asking questions regarding symptoms, medical history, past pregnancies, and other health problems, your doctor will perform a physical examination. Then, if organ prolapse is suspected or discovered, the following additional tests may be ordered: The doctor will then use a classification system to decide the organ prolapse level so he can best decide treatment options. Often, only simple non-invasive treatments and lifestyle changes are recommended for minor prolapse. If surgery is warranted, the following may be suggested: What Can You Do? Pelvic prolapse often sounds worse than it is. For many women, there are hardly any symptoms. For those who do suffer, there is help available, whether it is a simple lifestyle change, surgical repair, cosmetic enhancement or reconstruction. If you have questions about your gynecological health or would like to consult with one of our pelvic reconstructive surgeons, please call 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.
Dr. Michael Litrel on Pelvic Reconstructive and Cosmetic GYN – Part 1
An Interview With Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS – Part 1 of a 3 Part Series Links to Part 2 and Part 3 of Dr. Litrel’s interview below. One of your areas of specialty is Cosmetic Gynecology, especially vaginal rejuvenation. Can you expand a little on the subject of vaginal rejuvenation?Originally, as female reconstructive surgeons, we would operate on the vagina or internal and external genitalia. We took care of medical issues such as bulges or weakness that prevented the organs from working properly. Vaginal rejuvenation is a more recent elective surgery to enhance the visual appearance of a woman’s genitalia. Over the past twenty years, the field of Cosmetic Gynecology – especially vaginal rejuvenation – has become the fastest growing niche in plastic surgery. As the popularity increased, we began to see patients who’d been encouraged to undergo plastic surgery – from surgeons who don’t specialize in women’s pelvic anatomy. We’d find ourselves called in to correct whatever mistakes had been made in those procedures – but the problems were not always ‘fixable.’ It became obvious that the best thing we could do was to offer Cosmetic Gynecology ourselves, and at least insure that the women who came under our care could avoid the irreversible damage from inexpert surgery, and receive the benefits of surgery from Pelvic Reconstruction Specialists. Apart from esthetic merits for visual genital distortions, or internal adjustments that restore tautness and sexual pleasure, what other conditions can be corrected, with these procedures?When it comes to external cosmesis, which is surgery performed outside the body, we mostly treat conditions like elongated genitals or labia which may interfere with clitoral stimulation. It’s mostly anatomical—things are too long, getting in the way, disrupting sexual pleasure or causing orgasmic inability. Vaginal surgery consists mostly of correcting “bulges,” be they bladder, rectal or intestinal bulging. We increase the caliber of the vagina to allow for better sexual sensation. Since the vagina leads to the internal sexual reproductive organs, if there’s pain or bleeding or scar tissue, lots of times those things have to be corrected surgically as well. Sexual interest and gratification often diminish over time, due to a number of reasons such as lack of lubrication, the loosening of vaginal tissue and muscle, etc. Can pelvic reconstruction or vaginal rejuvenation give women a renewed sense of sexuality and confidence—and if so – how?I think it’s a very individual thing. I’ve taken care of thousands of women and sexuality issues can vary. They can come from anatomical differences between partners, hormonal issues– even lack of awareness of proper technique. The list is endless, so I’m not going to say “have surgery and it will fix everything.” I’ve seen the full range of what causes problems, and I deal with them all on an individual basis. As an example, I saw a patient recently who came from a neighboring state. After asking questions about the pain she was experiencing, I examined her and found there was nothing physically wrong with her. After speaking with her, I was able to pinpoint that the real problem stemmed from sexual abuse. I’m able to treat the anatomical problems, but a lot of these complaints simply must be addressed through counselling. I certainly wouldn’t recommend surgery in her case, but would guide her to other venues of help. It’s a complicated subject and doesn’t really have one answer. Are the benefits of pelvic reconstruction and vaginal rejuvenation permanent, or does time eventually cause the original problems to recur?I’ve seen patients I’ve operated on 10 years ago, and they’re doing great. For a lot of anatomical problems, if we fix them and they don’t suffer damage, they stay fixed. For instance, if a woman has a normal sex life and doesn’t have a baby, she probably won’t need surgery, and then, if it’s a cosmetic thing, such as labial elongation (hypertrophy), then once you fix that, it’s not going to grow back. It’s not common to have to re-operate. For the cosmetic parts, however, sometimes you have to perform a few nips and tucks six months or a year later. But typically, that’s not necessary either. As for the tightening operations, once you do it, you’re done. Many people might describe the procedures we’ve covered as “frivolous,” “unnecessary,” “a waste of money,” etc. Their assumption might be that you need to accept yourself “the way you are.” Can you describe the positive physical and psychological impact these procedures have had on some of your patients during your extensive career?Fifteen or twenty years ago, I probably would have said the same thing. I remember I was very much against breast implants at one time, but over years of practicing, I’ve noticed that it helps some women feel better about themselves, and we all want that. Now, in the field of Cosmetic Gynecology, with procedures such as vaginoplasty or, labiaplasty, the reason we, as female reconstructive surgeons are in this field, is because we know we’re the best at fixing it and we know that it’s not just about cosmetic surgery. It’s functional as well. Unlike a breast implant, face lift, or even a tummy tuck, none of which really have a function, internal and external genitalia are functional. Whether it’s sex, urination or defecation, there’s a biological function that’s dependent on the correct anatomical restoration of a woman’s body. So in terms of ‘frivolous,’ well, if you’re fixing a bulge here or there because a woman’s bladder is dropping or leaking, or you’re fixing the rectum bulging out, you can also do a tightening operation because the patient desires it for their sex life. I don’t think a good sex life is frivolous. I think it’s an important part of a relationship and it’s an important part of the way a woman feels about herself. The word ‘surgery’ can be frightening and intimidating. It usually sparks the fear of pain, long convalescence, operative and postoperative complications, etc. On average, what is the recovery period for most of
What is Overactive Bladder Syndrome?
Overactive bladder syndrome, also referred to as OAB, is an uncontrollable need to urinate, often at the worst possible times. For most of us, when the bladder fills to about half its capacity, the urge to void is triggered. Much like a snooze button on an alarm clock that lets us sleep awhile longer, we can hold off until we’re closer to a bathroom, or the timing is more convenient. Not so for OAB sufferers. Their urgency is more like the constant demand of a malfunctioning alarm clock without that button — intense, shrill and non-stop until it’s turned off. OAB sufferers feel more like their bladders are overflowing. They don’t have the luxury of waiting, needing relief immediately. If they’re unable to void right away, leakage may occur. OAB is unbiased. Whether you’re at work or play, it disrupts concentration, performance and pleasure, negatively impacting your life. In time, those afflicted with OAB may become depressed, withdrawing socially. What Causes Overactive Bladder? No one really knows, but it’s believed that involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle in the bladder transmits false messages to the brain. Symptoms Contributing factors: Age may contribute to, but does not always cause Overactive Bladder Syndrome. Never assume you’re doomed to live with OAB based on the number of years you’ve roamed the earth. Speak to your gynecologist. Don’t be ashamed. They’ve heard it before—often. They can help. Diagnosis You will need to provide your doctor with your medical history, including all drugs, vitamins and supplements you are taking. A physical examination will also be necessary.Sometimes, a urine culture, ultrasound, and neurological tests may be needed to rule out any sensory or reflex problems. If necessary, you might need more extensive analysis such as: You may be asked to keep a journal that includes information like fluid intake, urinary outflow, any leakage, and a time chart of bathroom visits to assess your condition more accurately. Treatment Options Medications and Treatments Other treatments may include: For more resistant cases, surgery, bladder augmentation, or the use of catheters may be necessary. Overactive bladder does not have to isolate you. Help is available. Speaking to your OB/GYN is always the first step to overcoming the problems associated with this syndrome, restoring your confidence, happiness, and quality of life.
Leaky Bladder Symptoms and Remedies
One in five women endures the symptoms of leaky bladder, or urinary incontinence. Yet often, a suffering woman does not acknowledge it as an issue. She may be self-conscious about mentioning the condition to her doctor, or she may assume it’s a normal part of being a woman. Two of the most commonly accepted situations are incontinence after pregnancy and incontinence during exercise. The truth is, although urinary incontinence is common, it is not considered normal. Needing to urinate frequently, as well as urinary urgency, are signs that one may be dealing with a leaky bladder. Fortunately, for a woman experiencing these symptoms, she can find both surgical and non-surgical options in treatment to minimize or even eliminate these symptoms permanently. What is Urinary Incontinence? Weakening of the pelvic floor can affect bladder control and urethra function, causing issues with urination. Women suffering from urinary incontinence find themselves running to the bathroom frequently. Strong urges to use the restroom, even after urinating, is another sign that a woman may be dealing with urinary incontinence. It is important to not brush off the occasional leak experienced while exercising or shifting position, because there are treatments available for women dealing with urinary incontinence. Types of Urinary Incontinence One important step in the diagnosis process is identifying the type of urinary incontinence, in order to find the best treatment option. Stress Incontinence This type of incontinence occurs when urine leaks out of the bladder during certain strenuous activities. Jogging or other exercising can cause urine leakage. Coughing and laughing can also bring on an unexpected leak. More severe symptoms of stress incontinence may include urine leakage during low stress activities such as changing position or walking. Many pregnant women can experience stress incontinence as the growing uterus puts pressure on their relaxed pelvic floor and the organs shift to make room for baby. Sometimes the symptoms are dismissed as an annoying pregnancy symptom, but if they do not subside after delivery, they may need medical assistance to prevent symptoms from worsening. Urge Incontinence Commonly referred to as overactive bladder, or OAB, urge incontinence is a continued sensation of needing to urinate. This sensation is often an overwhelming, powerful urge which sends women dodging for the nearest restroom. Urge incontinence is different from stress incontinence in that it occurs suddenly, without pressure on the bladder from strenuous activity. In addition to strong urges to urinate, women with urge incontinence may find themselves waking up at night to use the restroom, interfering with a full night’s rest. Sometimes, there may be an underlying condition that is causing the undeniable urges to urinate. An honest discussion about symptoms with a doctor can help them determine any underlying conditions so they can better treat you. Preventing Urinary Incontinence Many situations can result in urinary incontinence. There are some factors that do make a woman more prone to the condition, including pregnancy and childbirth. Women who want to lessen the chance of experiencing urinary incontinence can follow the advice below: Leaky Bladder Remedies Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to mention your symptoms to one of our double board-certified FPMRS specialists. Treatment options will be chosen based on the severity of the symptoms but can include: A nonsurgical, in-office treatment option that can help treat leaky bladder is the O-Shot. Download our free O-Shot eBook to learn more. Don’t accept urinary incontinence as part of your life. Our double board-certified specialists in urogynecology can help. schedule an appointment today at either our Canton or Woodstock location.
April Fools
by Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS The year my sons were seven and ten, I asked for my wife Ann’s help playing an April Fools’ joke on them. Sunrise on the big day found me crawling like a Ninja across the floor of my eldest son Tyler’s bedroom. With barely a sound, I rolled on to my back and shifted my body directly beneath his bed. I took a deep breath, and then, using all my strength, began shaking the entire bed frame. Ann’s timing was perfect. She burst into the bedroom. “Tyler!” she shouted. “Get up! It’s an earthquake – it’s an earthquake! Go downstairs – HURRY!” Tyler hardly moved. “It’s okay, Mom,” he mumbled, still half asleep. “It’s just Dad under my bed.” I was demoralized, with only bruised knees and a scraped back from my efforts. But it was not going to be for nothing. Nursing my wounded pride, I hushed Ann and went to the next room. “Let’s try it on Joseph.” But by the time I had crawled under Joseph’s bed, Ann reported that Joseph was smiling, his eyes closed, pretending to sleep. Luckily, I had prepared a backup trick the night before. I’d slid a rubber band around the kitchen sink nozzle so it would spray as soon as the water came on. It pointed up to the exact spot for dousing whichever of my beloved offspring washed his hands first. Tyler came downstairs still half asleep. “Would you please wash your hands before you eat,” I reminded him. It was hard to hide the eagerness in my voice. I watched Tyler as he came to the sink and reached for the soap. He stopped, looked at the faucet, and yawned. “You know, Dad,” he said with a trace of patronization, “if you use scotch tape, it won’t show as much.” I wasn’t in the mood for advice. “Just be quiet, and let’s wait for Joseph,” I replied testily. “AAUGHH!” screeched Ann. Oops. While I was distracted, Annie had turned on the water. Her pajamas were soaked. I apologized profusely, but Ann was not amused. Well, at least I’d gotten someone. But my real quarry was Tyler. He was just too cocky for his own good. I spent the day mulling it over, playing a few jokes to pass the day. Pregnant patients made the easiest targets. “Gosh, I hope you have two girls’ names picked out.” Or, “Wow, we haven’t had triplets in the practice in four or five years.” Back at home that evening, Tyler wouldn’t fall for anything. I found myself growing amateurish in my desperation. “There’s a spider on your shoulder!” “Your teacher just called. You’re in trouble!” Tyler just rolled his eyes. April Fools was obviously beneath him. Indeed, he hadn’t played a single joke on me all day. I finally gave up and trudged upstairs to bed. Just as Ann and I climbed between the sheets, we were met with an impediment. Tyler had short-sheeted our bed. Ann was dead tired. She began to complain and laugh simultaneously as she stripped the bedcovers to remake the bed. I tried to shush her so Tyler wouldn’t have the satisfaction of knowing his trick had succeeded. But it was too late. I could hear him snickering outside our bedroom door. My mind was unsettled. Although I was tired, I lay awake in bed for a while, unable to sleep. Finally, after some honest introspection, I came to a resolution which allowed me to drift off at last. Just wait ‘til next year. Excerpted from Dr. Litrel and his wife Ann’s book of “he-said, she-said” stories about love and family. A MisMatch Made In Heaven: Surviving True Love, Children, and Other Blessings In Disguise is available in the office, and online at www.createspace.com/4229812
