Involuntary Loss of Urine Free Seminar

AUGUSTA, GA (Denise Parrish) – Dr. Brent Parnell hears this question often: “Is it normal for me to pee a little when I laugh?”

 

As a urogynecologist and Chief of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Georgia Regents Medical Center, Parnell treats many patients who suffer from urinary incontinence.

 

“Millions of women experience this involuntary loss of urine, and it occurs more frequently in older women,” says Parnell. “It can be a little inconvenient or completely debilitating, and for some women, the risk of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying normal activities with their family and friends. But there are treatment options, and we want to help women take back some control.”

 

Georgia Regents Women’s Health is teaming up with the Pelvic Floor Disorders Alliance to present “Take the Floor Tonight: Break Free from Pelvic Floor Disorders” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St. At this free seminar, women’s health experts including Parnell will provide information about signs, symptoms, and treatment options for pelvic floor disorders, and patients will share stories of how they overcame PFDs and regained their quality of life..

 

“The pelvic floor is a term we use to describe the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that provide support for a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum,” said Parnell. “Not only does the pelvic floor prevent these organs from falling down or out, but it also plays a very important role in making the organs function properly.”

 

A PFD occurs when women have weakened pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue, which may cause bladder or bowel control problems, or pelvic organ prolapse, which is the dropping of the bladder, uterus, and rectum caused by the loss of normal support of the vagina. One in three women will experience a PFD in their lifetime.

 

“We want women to know that PFDs are not considered a normal part of aging and that they can be treated successfully with the help of a specialist,” said Parnell.

 

To register online for this seminar, visit www.voicesforpfd.org/breakfree and select the Georgia Regents event. For more information, call 706-721-3213.