Treatment for both types of incontinence is tailored for each individual and may include dietary considerations, pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder or bowel training, and medications. Both can also be treated with minimally-invasive robotic surgery, which uses a few small incisions and has faster recovery time than traditional surgery.

Our physicians are experts in minimally-invasive surgery, and they operate in our state-of-the-art surgical center that’s double-certified by the state of Florida and the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.

When a person is unable to control his or her bowel movements and feces leak from the rectum, he or she is suffering from fecal incontinence. The condition ranges in severity from the occasional unintended release of feces while passing gas to a total loss of bowel control. Fecal incontinence is often accompanied by other issues including gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. While this condition may be embarrassing, it’s treatable. Patients who experience fecal incontinence should make an appointment with Orlando Physicians Practice for assessment and treatment.

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to fecal incontinence, most prevalently age and natural childbirth. Muscle damage to the anal sphincter can make it difficult to hold in feces. Childbirth is a common cause of this kind of damage. Similarly, childbirth can also cause nerve damage to the nerves responsible for controlling the anal sphincter. Straining too hard during a bowel movement, spinal cord injuries and diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis can also cause this kind of nerve damage. Constipation can also lead to fecal incontinence when patients strain to pass stool and cause damage to the nerves and muscles of the rectum. Also, patients who have scarring in their rectal walls from surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or radiation treatment may suffer from fecal incontinence because the walls will not be able to stretch enough to accommodate feces.

You may experience minor side effects, such as cramping that lasts 1-2 days and a thin discharge that may last a few weeks. Some women find they have to urinate frequently during the 24 hours after surgery. Most women can get back to their normal activities in 1-2 days, but you shouldn’t have sex until you get approval from your doctor at Orlando Physicians Practice. It may take a few months before you’ll see the full results of ablation, but then you’ll either have significantly lighter menstrual periods or your periods will stop completely.

Testosterone pellets offer a slow release of hormones that last for 3-4 months. Most patients begin to experience relief within 24-48 hours after the pellet is inserted. Some other hormone therapies that are applied with pills or creams can cause spikes and fluctuations in hormone levels which can cause unwanted side effects.

Most women begin to have annual mammograms at the age of 40 unless she’s at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in which case, mammograms may commence earlier or be carried out more often. Well-woman visits are an opportunity for a manual breast exam to be conducted by the doctor. Women should perform self-exams at home each month, typically just after their period has ended. If a woman notices any changes in her breasts, lumps, or any kind of discharge, she should make an appointment with Orlando Physicians Practice for a professional breast exam and mammogram.