Shockwave Therapy for BPH & Urinary Incontinence
As soon as I hit middle age, I noticed some minor changes in my peeing routine.
I discovered that BEFORE the age of 40, when I finished peeing, I was finished peeing.
It was over.
AFTER the age of 40, in my experience, when I finished peeing, I WASN’T REALLY finished peeing.
There’s still more pee in there.
I went to my naturopath who recommended do a GENTLE pull and squeeze, to drain out any remaining urine, and if possible, dab with some toilet paper at the end, to ensure I don’t stain my underwear or get piss on my penis (this can cause skin conditions in some guys).
It worked, and it opened my eyes as to what’s happening down there.
As we age, our bladder and prostate tend to join forces in complicating our most basic voiding process.
Pinpointing what the problem is, and addressing it, is key to ameliorating the condition.
It’s important to learn the difference between the two men’s major urinary health conditions – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH; and Urinary Incontinence (UI) – and how they can be treated when they become a problem.
They are two distinct urological conditions that affect men, particularly as they age, but they can often be confused as there is some crossover in symptom experience.
Understanding the differences between these conditions is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
As well, we will discuss why Focused Shockwave Therapy is the preferential treatment course to attempt resolution of either condition.
BPH
BPH is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
This enlargement can lead to various urinary symptoms due to the pressure the enlarged prostate places on the urethra.
Causes
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes associated with aging.
Specifically, changes in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels may play a role.
Symptoms
– Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
– Weak urine stream
– Intermittent urine stream (stopping and starting)
– Dribbling at the end of urination
– Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
– Urgent need to urinate
– Incomplete emptying of the bladder
Diagnosis
– Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
– Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test
– Urinary flow test
– Postvoid residual volume test
– Ultrasound or MRI
Treatment
– Focused Shockwave Therapy
– Medications (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors)
– Minimally invasive procedures (TURP, TUMT)
– Lifestyle changes (reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol)
URINARY INCONTINENCE (UI)
Urinary Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine.
It can affect both men and women and is a symptom rather than a disease itself.
Types
- Stress Incontinence: Leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.
- Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary urine leakage. This is often associated with overactive bladder.
- Overflow Incontinence: Occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling of urine.
- Functional Incontinence: Due to physical or mental impairment that prevents timely access to the toilet.
- Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Causes
– Weakened pelvic floor muscles
– Nerve damage
– Overactive bladder muscles
– Prostate surgery (for men)
– Medications
– Chronic medical conditions (diabetes, Parkinson’s disease)
Symptoms
– Involuntary urine leakage during physical activities (stress incontinence)
– Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by leakage (urge incontinence)
– Frequent dribbling of urine due to an overfilled bladder (overflow incontinence)
– Difficulty reaching the toilet in time due to physical or cognitive impairments (functional incontinence)
Diagnosis
– Patient history and symptom review
– Physical examination
– Urinalysis
– Bladder diary
– Urodynamic testing
– Imaging studies (ultrasound, cystoscopy)
Treatment
– Focused Shockwave Therapy
– Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)
– Bladder training
– Medications (anticholinergics, beta-3 agonists)
– Surgical options (sling procedures, artificial urinary sphincter)
– Lifestyle modifications (diet changes, fluid management)
If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH or urinary incontinence, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
WHY FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (FST) FOR BPH & UI?
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST), also known as low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT), involves the application of electromagnetic shockwaves to targeted areas.
This treatment has been explored for various conditions, including Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, Chronic Orthopaedic Pain, and BPH/Urinary Incontinence.
Mechanism of Action
– Tissue Regeneration: The mechanical effects of shockwaves stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, promoting healing in damaged tissues.
– Inflammation Reduction: Focused Shockwave Therapy may reduce inflammation in the prostate tissue through the decrease of inflammatory mediators in the body.
– Nerve Modulation: Shockwave therapy may help modulate nerve activity, reduce pain signals and improve nerve function.
– Increased Blood Flow: Shockwave therapy promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and improves blood flow to the treated area, which can help improve bladder function.
Effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy for BPH & Urinary Incontinence
– Research Evidence: Studies on the use of shockwave therapy for urinary incontinence have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing significant reductions in symptoms, particularly for reducing urgency and frequency.
– Advantages: Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and has minimal side effects, making it an attractive option for individuals with urinary incontinence.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction are complex conditions with a variety of causes, ranging from anatomical and physiological factors to lifestyle and genetic influences. Historical understanding of these conditions has evolved significantly, leading to modern treatments that improve quality of life for many individuals.
Natural and alternative treatments, as well as emerging therapies like shockwave therapy, offer additional options for managing these conditions. Ongoing research and clinical trials will continue to refine our understanding and improve treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing the well-being of those affected by urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction.
Call FocusWave Clinic to book your consultation with our health care professionals in Ottawa or Kitchener-Waterloo and see if focused shockwave therapy is right for you.
888-558-9283 or drop us an email at info@focuswaveclinic.com