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Take Control of Your Bladder and Reclaim an Active Lifestyle

Bryan Henry, M.D.
Bryan Henry, M.D.
St. Helena Obstetrics
and Gynecology
Marsha had always enjoyed a full, active lifestyle. However when she reached her 50s, her active lifestyle became more of a burden than a joy. Urinary incontinence – or loss of bladder control that can lead to leakage – forced her to give up many of the things she enjoyed due to fear of odors and leakage. When her husband encouraged her to see a doctor, she declined. "It's just a natural part of aging," she replied. "I just have to learn to live with it."

The truth is that urinary incontinence is far from inevitable. Yet Marsha is not alone – of the 12 million Americans with urinary incontinence, many hesitate to discuss the condition with their doctors due to embarrassment and the misconception that urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging. But Bryan Henry, M.D., of St. Helena Obstetrics and Gynecology, wants to change that.

"I work with my patients to find the best treatment option for them," he says. "Today there are so many different kinds of treatments, it is exciting. Many of my patients think that incontinence is a way of life and that is simply not true."

Urge or Stress?

Urinary incontinence is divided into two main types: urge and stress.
  • Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) occurs when the bladder itself is overactive. "What happens is the nerves that control the bladder muscles squeeze too early or too strong, creating an urge sensation," explains Dr. Henry. When an urge to urinate is felt, the muscle begins to contract involuntarily. Individuals with this condition often experience urgency and frequency prior to developing leakage problems
  • Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when the pelvic floor support to the bladder becomes weak and small amounts of urine can escape with activity. Women with SUI will experience leaking with sudden movements, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing and exercising.

A combination of the two is most common for many women, or mixed urinary incontinence. To find the best solution for each patient, Dr. Henry begins with a comprehensive evaluation and exam.

Personalized Solutions

"The treatment options have changed very much," Dr. Henry says. "The last resort is surgery. From medications to hormone therapies and even physical therapy, I work with each of my patients to find a unique treatment option for their needs."

Because the treatments for urge incontinence generally don't improve stress incontinence – and vice versa – intensive information-gathering at the onset of treatment helps ensure a successful, positive experience.

Need a Specialist to Treat Incontinence?

Urologists and OB/GYNs specialize in treating incontinence and a variety of
medical conditions related to the bladder, kidneys, urinary tract and male
reproductive organs. St. Helena Hospital has highly trained physicians on
staff to help with your needs.

James Woolley, M.D.
James Woolley, M.D.
707-963-6512
Mindy Marquez, M.D.
Mindy Marquez, M.D.
St. Helena Urology
707-994-9771
Deborah Geary, M.D.
Deborah Geary, M.D.
St. Helena OB/GYN
707-963-5006
Treatments for UUI aim to calm the bladder, either by medications to relax the muscle or with a new form of therapy, peripheral nerve stimulation, which redirects the communication between the pelvic nerves and the bladder.

Treatments for SUI involve restoring support to weakened pelvic-floor and sphincter muscles. Our specialists offer traditional therapies, such as pelvic floor tightening through biofeedback and Kegel exercises, as well as more advanced options like collagen or synthetic agent injections around the urethra that help the sphincter muscle close tightly. They specialize in a new single-incision sling procedure. This outpatient surgery results in a quick return to normal activity and minimal discomfort.

"My advice is don't wait as long as our grandparents did before seeking consultation," Dr. Henry says. With more than 20 years of experience in providing a full spectrum of obstetric and gynecologic care for women of all ages, Dr. Henry and his partner Dr. Deborah Geary, along with urologists Dr. James Woolley and Dr. Mindy Marquez, can help you find the solution that works best for you. Call St. Helena OB/GYN at 707-963-5006 to schedule an evaluation today.