2006 Press Releases

NEW TREATMENT FOR URINARY AND FECAL INCONTINENCE OFFERED AT SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER

Livingston, N.J. -- A non-surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, chronic pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis is now offered by The Center for Urogynecology of Saint Barnabas Medical Center. The new treatment uses bio-behavioral techniques, including bladder training and biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor exercises.

According to Jeffrey Segal, M.D., Director of The Center for Urogynecology, urinary incontinence affects more than 10 million Americans, many of whom can be affectively treated with these non-invasive bio-behavioral techniques.

“Kegel exercises do work,” adds Dr. Segal, “but many times individuals do not do them correctly or have trouble identifying the proper muscles to exercise.”

The bio-behavioral techniques include all of the following:

• Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Using a computerized device that measures pelvic floor muscle strength, patients are shown how to do proper Kegel exercises by watching a color monitor. Sophisticated instrumentation determines that the correct muscle is being contracted, and when the muscle begins to fatigue. Using this information, an exercise plan is developed to strengthen specific muscles.
• Pelvic Floor Stimulation (PFS): This non-invasive treatment aims at strengthening and toning the pelvic floor muscles to treat stress incontinence or to assist in calming involuntary muscle contractions, reducing urge incontinence or decreasing muscle spasm associated with pelvic pain. PFS has no significant side effects, always exercises the correct muscles, and helps patients experience increased muscle awareness, helping them learn correct pelvic floor exercises.
• Bladder re-training: This involves training the bladder to hold a larger volume of urine so bathroom stops are less frequent.

“Many people are either too embarrassed or unaware that help is available and they suffer needlessly,” adds Dr. Segal. “Incontinence is not a disease or a part of aging. Pelvic floor stimulation and other bio-behavioral techniques offer new hope to those who are plagued by these debilitating conditions.”

The Center for Urogynecology of Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment with a variety of therapies, including behavioral modification, pelvic floor rehabilitation, biofeedback, bladder re-training, medications, transurethral injections, vaginal inserts and minimally invasive surgery. Please call (973) 322-9998 for information or an appointment.

MAY 15, 2006

CONTACT: PUBLIC RELATIONS (973) 322-9901

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