Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Can Chemotherapy Cause Urinary Incontinence

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Can Stress Cause Incontinence

Female Bladder Leakage: Solutions to Get Controlâ | Christopher Tarnay, MD | UCLAMDChat

At V Lounge, some of our patients ask, can mental stress cause incontinence? Though mental stress may not directly cause bladder leakage and urinary incontinence it may increase the chances of developing urinary incontinence. Mental stress may also have the potential to amplify symptoms of bladder leakage. Like any other muscles in your body, your mind and pelvic floor muscles need to work together. When you are stressed, there is potential for a disconnect between these systems which could, in turn, make symptoms worse.

Though stress in itself may not cause urinary incontinence it could play a role in the severity of your symptoms. Try to be mindful of your body and notice how your muscles feel when you are feeling stressed. For some patients, working with a psychotherapist may be beneficial as they holistically work to improve their pelvic floor health. See our favourite tips on how to promote mindfulness on our Instagram page

Icipants And Data Collection

The participants in this study comprised 158 advanced cancer patients admitted to the Oncology Department in St. Marys Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea. Participants agreed voluntarily to participate in this study after being informed about its purpose and procedures, and convenience sampling was used to recruit the sample of 158 participants.

The selection criteria included persons 18 years or older with stage III/IV gastric or lung cancer who had been treated with chemotherapy , had no preexisting CIPN symptoms prior to initial chemotherapy, and were classified as National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria grade I or higher.

Data collection was conducted from February 2014 to June 2014, and the study received approval from the Institutional Review Board of St. Marys Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea . Patients who met the selection criteria were informed about the purpose, methods, and procedures of the study, as well as about how to withdraw from participation. Written consent was obtained from patients who agreed to participate in the study. One researcher screened and selected grade I or higher patients based on the NCI-CTC grading system of peripheral neuropathy.

What Can I Do To Stop Peeing So Much During Treatment

There are a number of things you can do to help reduce the impact of frequent urination, from making some simple diet and lifestyle changes, to exercises that are specially designed to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles the muscles which support the bladder and bowel and help to control when you pee.

Eat a healthy diet

Certain types of food and drink are known to irritate the bladder, while some can act as a diuretic, stimulating the bodys production of urine. Its a good idea to steer away from these types of food, which include chocolate, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and artificial sweeteners, and to stick to a healthy balanced diet containing plenty of lean protein , fruit and vegetables.

Be sure to include some high-fibre foods, to avoid constipation which can put extra pressure on your bladder and pelvic muscles.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can contribute to urinary issues following treatments like radiation, and it can also affect bone health for those undergoing hormone therapy, so avoiding cigarettes is advisable.

Adapt your fluid intake

If youre having problems with frequent urination, you may feel like drinking less to try and help the situation! However, its very important to keep hydrated and this is even more the case when youre having cancer treatment.

Meanwhile, if getting up in the night is getting you down, the Live Better With community recommend using a portable urinal or bed pan, such as the slipper bed pan:

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What Else Can I Do To Stop Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence happens for a variety of reasons beyond chemotherapy. When bladder leaks are related to stress or urge incontinence, there are ways you can try to alleviate symptoms without undergoing more formal treatment. If you are suffering from bladder leaks but arent currently able to obtain treatment for urinary incontinence, the following tips may be helpful.

  • Practice diaphragmatic breathing

  • Do a pelvic squeeze to engage your pelvic floor if you feel a cough or sneeze coming

  • Drink enough water and ensure you empty your bladder whenever you need to

  • Eat foods rich in fibre to support bowel health and reduce constipation

  • Try yoga or Pilates to promote pelvic floor strength

  • Do Kegels when you can, seeour guide to an effective Kegel to ensure you are targeting the pelvic floor

Undergoing cancer treatments is a lot for anyone to endure, both physically and mentally. Urinary incontinence may become a part of your journey as you obtain the life-saving treatment you need. At V Lounge, we want you to know you arent alone. If you feel that Emsella® may be the right treatment option for you, we are always here to support you. Considerbooking a free demo to learn more about how Emsella® can help you regain your continence.

Proton Therapy And Urinary Problems

Chemotherapy in ca urinary bladder dr prasanta dash

Studies show that more than 50 percent of patients with underlying moderate to severe urinary symptoms pre-treatment report a significant improvement following proton therapy at the 5-year followup. In addition, more than 40 percent of patients report that urinary symptoms remained stable after proton therapy for prostate cancer. Only 3 percent of patients reported a decline in terms of urinary symptoms 5 years after proton therapy. In patients who had only mild urinary symptoms pre-treatment, the symptoms remain stable at the 60-month follow-up.

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Lean On Your Support System

In addition to spending time with close friends and family, Rachel says most hospitals and medical groups can connect you with cancer support groups and other resources. If youre feeling shy, there are databases like this one that allow you to search for groups in your area.

Have you been through cancer treatment? Share your advice for recovery in our comments section.

Managing Bladder Or Urinary Incontinence

Sometimes urinary incontinence can last a short time, depending on what’s causing it. But sometimes incontinence can be long-term and uncomfortable, making some everyday activities difficult to manage.

Your health care team will ask you questions to determine the type of bladder incontinence you might have. Then, you might need tests to verify the type and learn the cause of it which will help them know the best way to manage it.

  • Pelvic floor muscle strengthening may be recommended. A physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor muscle exercises can help. This might help muscle strength and bladder control get better by doing exercises that tighten and relax muscles that control the flow of urine.
  • Bladder training canhelp manage how often you need to urinate throughout the day, by assigning certain time intervals to empty your bladder.

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What Types Of Cancer Treatment Increase The Risk Of Incontinence

There are a number of cancer treatments that affect continence in different ways:

Prescription drugs. Certain medications used in cancer treatment, like antidepressants, sedatives, and anticancer agents affect the muscles and nerves that control bladder and bowel function. Others make urinary incontinence more likely by causing vaginal and urethral dryness.

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses powerful anti-cancer drugs to combat fast-growing cells. The substances used in chemotherapy often result in nerve damage, hormonal changes, and bladder irritation, three factors known to increase the risk of incontinence.

Radiation. Radiation uses energy to target and destroy cancerous cells. Thanks to advances in treatment, its possible to minimize the effects of radiation on healthy tissue. Even so, radiation increases the risk of scarring and fibrosistwo common causes of incontinence.

Surgery. Even cancer surgery can contribute to urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence. In cases with extensive dissection, especially with radical hysterectomies, patients can experience poor nerve communication to the bladder. This can result in a neurogenic bladder with urinary retention or overflow incontinence, said Anne Alaniz, DO, FACOG, FACOOG, an oncology specialist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital in Houston, Texas.

What Else Can I Do

Bladder Cancer – Overview (types, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment)

Drinking plenty of fluids may also help to âflushâ the bladder and prevent cystitis.

References

  • Turkeri LN, Lum LG, Uberti JP, Abella E, et al. Prevention of hemorrhagic cystitis following allogeneic bone marrow transplant preparative regimens with cyclophosphamide and busulfan: role of continuous bladder irrigation. J Urol. 1995 153:637-40.
  • Drake MJ, Nixon PM, Crew JP. Drug-induced bladder and urinary disorders. Incidence, prevention and management. Drug Saf. 1998 19:45-55.
  • Khojasteh NH, Zakerinia M, Ramzi M, Haghshenas M. A new regimen of MESNA effectively prevents cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow transplant recipients. Transplant Proc. 2000 May 32: 596.
  • Cohen MH, Dagher R, Griebel DJ, Ibrahim A, et al. U.S. Food and Drug Administration drug approval summaries: imatinib mesylate, mesna tablets, and zoledronic acid. Oncologist. 2002 7: 393-400.
  • Ballen KK, Becker P, Levebvre K, Emmons R, et al. Safety and cost of hyperhydration for the prevention of hemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow transplant recipients. Oncology. 1999 Nov 57: 287-92.
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7707439/
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    Incontinence As A Side Effect Of Bladder Cancer Treatment

    More frequently, urinary incontinence is a result of treatment for bladder cancer, especially after surgery where portions of the bladder are removed or resected. All forms of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy can also result in incontinence. For instance, radiation can cause fibrosis, stricturing, and tissue scarring that hinders blood supply and affects urination.

    While 3D radiation can conform treatment to certain parts of the body, such as the prostate or rectum, the urethra cannot be spared. When this organ is exposed to radiation it can become dry and thin, as well as lose tissue layers. As the urethra continues to degrade over time, incontinence is likely.

    Chemotherapy can cause cystitis and neurotoxicity, which may also affect the function of both the bladder and urethra. Oftentimes, cancer therapies are used in combination, such as radiation and chemo. In this instance, the risk of incontinence is increased, especially in older patients. For the elderly, decreased muscle tone in the bladder, decreased cardiac output, and a decreased inflammatory response can all contribute to urinary incontinence as a side effect of bladder cancer treatment.

    If you would like a set of useful incontinence questionnaires to use in your practice, click on the button below.

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    He has successfully treated hundreds of men and women of all ages with urinary problems including bladder problems, kidney problems, urethral and ureteral problems.

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    Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist, who specializes in all aspects of care for men and women with urinary problems including frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency, and incontinence. He has successfully treated hundreds of men and women with urinary problems including urinary retention, painful urination, and frequent urination.

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    Frequency Of Urinary Problems After Radiation Therapy

    Radiation therapy can be delivered using different methods, including external radiation therapy and brachytherapy.

    Here is a list that shows the percentage of patients that experience urinary symptoms after radiation therapy for various pelvic cancers :

    • Prostate Cancer: Low-grade adverse effects in 20-40 percent of patients, high-grade adverse effects in 5-13 percent of patients.
    • Bladder Cancer: Low-grade adverse effects in 18-27 percent of patients, high-grade adverse effects in 6-17 percent of patients.
    • Cervical Cancer: Low-grade adverse effects in 28 percent of patients, high-grade adverse effects in 8-14 percent of patients.
    • Anal and Rectal Cancers: Radiation effects are less common, but data is not available.
    • Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers: Urinary symptoms are less common following radiation therapy for endometrial cancers, but this has not been well studied.

    Temporary Causes Of Urinary Incontinence

    Chemotherapy in ca urinary bladder dr prasanta dash

    There are a number of factors that can produce temporary incontinence. Certain foods, beverages or medications can result in incontinence. Temporary incontinence may also be related to an infection or another medical condition thats easily treatable.

    Connect with others who are discussing womens health topics at Womens Health.

    Learn more strategies and tips on how to improve bladder and bowel control with Mayo Clinic on Incontinence.

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    Incontinence As A Symptom Of Bladder Cancer

    An under-recognized symptom of bladder cancer is urinary incontinence. While rare, urinary incontinence can manifest due to bladder tumors or structural changes to the urethra. Oftentimes this symptom is overlooked due to the prevalence of urinary symptoms in the aging population, which overlaps with the demographic of patients that are most commonly diagnosed with bladder cancer. For instance, in males aged 55 and older, urinary incontinence is most commonly associated with diseases of the prostate. In women, urinary incontinence is highly prevalent. Indeed, a woman in her 50s complaining of urinary incontinence is so common that this symptom would rarely be considered an indication of bladder cancer. For this reason, it is important that changes in urinary habits be fully examined.

    Can Chemotherapy Treatment Cause Bladder Cancer

    Some chemotherapy drugs can cause bladder cancer. The long-term side effects of Cytoxan and Ifosfamide which irritate the bladder lining and are associated with damage to the bladder and the bone marrow. Bladder cancer is a well-known risk and continues to arise at least 10-15 years after the drug was given.6

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    What Can Help With Urinary Frequency And Urgency

    There are treatments that can help with urinary frequency and urgency, as well as things you can do yourself.

    Bladder retraining

    If you need to urinate more often than usual or sometimes leak before reaching the toilet, you could try a technique called bladder retraining. This can help you control when you urinate, and help you hold on for longer. Speak to your specialist continence nurse or physiotherapist for more information.

    Medicines

    Drugs called anti-cholinergics can help to reduce frequency, urgency and leaks. If you can’t have anto-cholinergics, you may be offered mirabegron tablets.

    Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation

    This treatment may help some men to urinate and leak urine less often. A needle is placed under the skin just above your ankle. A low electrical current is passed through the needle to affect the nerves that control urination. This can help stop the bladder from emptying before its full.

    Youll normally have PTNS once a week for 12 weeks. Each treatment lasts about half an hour. PTNS has no serious side effects, although the area where the needle enters the skin may feel a little sore afterwards.

    Sacral nerve stimulation

    This is sometimes called Sacral Neuromodulation . A small wire is surgically placed against the sacral nerve in your lower back. The other end of the wire is connected to a small box . The SNS device makes mild electrical pulses that stimulate the sacral nerve to help you regain control of your bladder.

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    Breast Cancer Treatment Options

    Bladder Spasm, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

    If you go to the doctor and your diagnosis is breast cancer, dont worry. There is hope. Advancements in treatment options for breast cancer have gotten better over the years and the survival rate continues to rise. Currently, there are several ways to treat breast cancer depending on the type and stage. Some of the treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy.4

    Surgery works by cutting out the cancer tissue. Chemotherapy works to shrink and eventually kill cancer cells.4 Hormonal therapy uses a technique to effectively block cancer cells from getting the hormones essential to growth.4 Biological therapy tunes into your immune system to fight cancer cells, control side effects, and help enhance your overall recovery.4 And radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.4

    Depending on the type of breast cancer that you have, and the stage its in, your doctor will recommend one or a combination of the above treatment options.

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    Treatment Of Frequent Urination Overactive Bladder And Urinary Urge Incontinence After Radiation Therapy

    Frequent urination and urinary urgency are common symptoms associated with radiation to the pelvis and urinary bladder. The sensation of the urge to urinate is common in patients who have been treated with pelvic radiation, including proton therapy, IMRT, and brachytherapy in the pelvis for treatment of bladder cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, anal cancer, and rectal cancer.

    Anticholinergic medications, such as Toviaz and Detrol LA, are effective in treating frequent urination after radiation therapy. However, long-term use of anticholinergic medications is not advisable due to a concern about the cognitive side effects of these medications.

    Beta-3 agonists such as Myrbetriq are also effective in the treatment of symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and sudden urge to urinate. It is important to remember that it can take 3-4 weeks for the benefit of Myrbetriq to be noticeable. Medications such as Vesicare and Detrol LA may be combined with Myrbetriq to produce a greater benefit.

    Botox injections in the detrusor muscle of the urinary bladder may also help with both urinary frequency and pain during urination.

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