Bladder Problems Specialist
Chetanna Okasi, MD
OB/GYN located in Columbia, MD & Greenbelt, MD
The bladder is an organ located in the lower abdomen, and responsible for storing urine and controlling urination. When something is wrong with your bladder, you might not be able to control the urge to urinate. This can lead to embarrassing trips to the bathroom or more. Women in Columbia, Maryland, and the surrounding areas, who experience difficulty urinating may be undergoing bladder problems and should refer to Dr. Chetanna Okasi of Women’s Wellness MD for a consultation or appointment.
Bladder Problems Q & A
What are Common Bladder Problems?
The bladder’s primary function in the body is to store urine and allow for you to urinate “on command.” Thus, many of the of problems surrounding the bladder have to do with the bladder’s inability to function.
The most common bladder problem is known as urinary incontinence. This condition comes in different forms and can range from uncontrolled urination to feeling the need to urinate with little to nothing in your bladder. Other bladder problems include:
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder from infection)
- Interstitial Cystitis (chronic bladder pain and urge to urinate)
- Bladder Cancer
What are Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence usually occurs in two forms: stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Stress incontinence is the condition that stems from the bladder muscles being weak, causing unwanted urination when laughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. Urge incontinence, or an overactive bladder, occurs when the muscles of the bladder are too active. This gives you the feeling you need to urinate frequently despite having little-to-no urine stored in the bladder.
How are Bladder Problems Diagnosed?
Certain conditions, such as urinary incontinence, are very distinct and can be identified from a simple chat with Dr. Okasi. Other conditions may be harder to identify, so Dr. Okasi may perform tests to determine the cause of your bladder problem. Urine tests may be taken to check for any abnormalities within while x-rays may be used to search for structural damage. The bladder wall may also be inspected to check for any irregularities.
How are Bladder Problems Treated?
Dr. Okasi uses different approaches, depending on the root cause of your bladder problem. Cases of urinary incontinence can be treated with a variety of oral and topical medication. Women who suffer urinary incontinence may also benefit from physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and bladder.
Other treatments, such as therapy, can be used to address psychological causes of urinary incontinence. Further, treatment for more severe conditions, such as bladder cancer, vary depending on the stage of cancer. Be sure to consult with Dr. Okasi to determine what treatment is best for you.
Accepted Insurance Providers
Dr. Chetanna Okasi and Women's Wellness MD accepts most major insurance plans. If you have any questions, please call our office and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members.