We speak to Dr. Seema Sheth, female urologist within the Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and the first ever consultant female urologist in the UAE.
She discusses some of the more common urological complaints that she treats, the options available to patients, and highlights why it is important for women to pay a visit to the urologist.
What are the most common reasons a woman may visit a urologist?
“I see women for a range of complaints, from kidney stones to oncology, but most commonly, women come to me when they are suffering from UTIs (urinary tract infections), urinary leakage and prolapse. Despite these conditions being relatively common, many women are reluctant to discuss them with their doctor.“
Why is there such reluctance to discuss urological issues?
“I think there are multiple factors involved. Firstly, many women are embarrassed to talk about these conditions. Some of the side effects such as leakage are considered taboo and this prevents women from coming forward.
Another reason is a perception that it is a normal thing to happen as women age or have children. Whilst things like urinary leakage are in fact extremely common, affecting as many as 50% of all women over the age of 65 and many younger women as well, it should never be considered normal.
Since we don’t tend to talk openly about urological conditions, women aren’t aware of just how many treatment options are available to them. Many of the issues I see on a daily basis can be treated with minimal intervention, such as simple exercises or with a minor procedure, but can offer incredible, lasting results.
Finally, most urologists are men! There are some fantastic male urologists around, but sometimes, women simply prefer to discuss sensitive matters with another women. I am extremely proud to be offering female patients at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi access to my female urology program. “
Why is seeing so important?
“A urologist can help with common complaints such as a regular urge to urinate, pain or discomfort when you urinate, leaking urine, blood in the urine or pain in the lower back, and prolapse. “
Can you talk us through some of the treatment options available to patients for the most common urological complaints?
“The most common thing that I treat is incontinence. There are several different types including stress incontinence, where you leak following a cough or a sneeze, and urge incontinence, where you suddenly feel like you need to go and may not be able to make it to the restroom in time.
There are many options available for women to treat incontinence. These options range from lifestyle changes and physical therapy to minimally invasive surgical options.
Kidney stones are also extremely common.Kidney stones can cause severe pain, blood in the urine, and at times ruin kidney function. Early and proper treatment of the stones is important for overall health. Options for treatment included diet management, lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical options.
A prolapse is caused by a weakened support system in the vaginal wall and nearby organs ‘fall’ from their normal positions. A prolapse can be common after childbirth and some patients notice a bulge appearing or a discomfort when they sit. But surgery isn’t always required. If the patient is not having symptoms of prolapse, nothing needs to be done. However, if they are having symptoms, or they are bothered by it there are range of treatments that we can offer. I would encourage people to come in for a visit to explore these options.”