Metro urologists using lesser known nerve therapy to treat incontinence

OKALHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Some metro doctors are using a form of nerve therapy to help treat incontinence and one of them said they’ve seen positive results.

"About one in six Americans will suffer from urinary incontinence,” Dr. Alex Jones with Norman Urology Associates said. "There can also be bowel incontinence as well and that's about one in 12 that are suffering with this."

It’s a problem many people try to hide. That being the inability to control bowel or bladder movements.

"So, a lot of times patients are suffering in silence,” Jones said.

According to Jones, the risk of a sudden or even constant urge to “go” goes up as you age.

"There's too much communication between the brain and the bladder and the brain, and the bowel,” Jones said.

He’s getting the word out about a lesser known therapy many of those who suffer may not know about. Potential candidates are first given shots in the lower back that improves the body’s nervous system communication with the bowel and the bladder. If successful, an implant can be placed in the same spot for continuous control.

"Which again is done under some light sedation and very small incisions on their lower back to place the battery on, which is about the size of an Oreo cookie,” Jones said.

Jones said it’s a next step treatment when patients have tried other strategies such as limiting fluids or taking medications.

"Controlling or improving the quality of their life to allow them to kind of get back to their normal everyday things,” Jones said.

For most, it’s a short recovery with a promise of a long term solution. An event is being held by Jones and his business partner for more information on the therapy treatment. It’s at the Norman Healthy Living Center just south of Norman Regional Hospital at 6 p.m. That event can also be viewed virtually. Here is a link to the event.