Aging can lead to significant urinary conditions in men and women. But doctors at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital say that understanding these potential issues – and today’s advanced treatments – is the key to urinary health.

 

To help improve awareness of urinary condition risk factors, symptoms and treatment options, Houston Methodist Sugar Land is hosting a free informational seminar on urinary incontinence and prostate cancer at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12.

 

Incontinence is often seen as a normal part of aging, especially for women. Pregnancy, childbirth and advancing age can weaken the muscles that control the bladder and urethra, leading to an involuntary loss of urinary control. Extra weight can put pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles, making the condition worse.

 

“Having infrequent episodes of urine leakage isn’t a cause for alarm, especially as women grow older,” said Laura Martinez, M.D., board-certified urologist at Houston Methodist Urology Associates in Sugar Land. “But if incontinence is affecting your daily life or causing you to avoid certain situations, then it’s time to see a urologist.”

 

The good news is that incontinence can often be treated with a few minor changes.

 

“Usually, we begin with lifestyle modifications, such as creating a schedule of fluid intake, along with pelvic-strengthening exercises,” Martinez said. “Those can make a big difference for many women. If necessary, we also have a number of medications and even surgical options that can eliminate or reduce incontinence and help women regain confidence and control over their routine.”

 

Another common urology health issue is prostate cancer, as it is the second most common cancer affecting men and the second leading cause of cancer death among men. About 200,000 Americans each year are diagnosed.

 

“Because early stages of prostate cancer typically cause no symptoms, it is important for men to be checked regularly by a physician,” said Neel Srikishen, M.D., board-certified urologist at Houston Methodist Urology Associates in Sugar Land. Physical examinations of the prostate and a simple blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, can identify small tumors long before symptoms begin.

 

“Early detection is critical because most prostate cancers are slow-growing, which gives us time to make the best possible treatment decision,” Srikishen said. “We have access to a wide range of treatments today, many of which leave men with no lasting side effects. Catching prostate cancer at its early stages – especially before it spreads to other parts of the body – can make a significant difference in how we approach a plan of care.”

 

UROLOGY HEALTH SEMINAR | SEPT. 12

Join board-certified urologists Laura Martinez, M.D., and Neel Srikishen, M.D., for a free and informative seminar on incontinence and prostate cancer. The two physicians will discuss risk factors, signs and symptoms, the importance of screening and today’s most advanced treatment options at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 12 in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Registration is required. To register or learn more, go to events.houstonmethodist.org/urology-sl or call 281.274.7500.