Mon, Oct 2, 2023 at 07:54 PM

Urologist presents at the GoldCare Lunch 'N Learn to help seniors avoid issues

GoldCare55+ members got a first-hand lesson into what urologists see every day and the impressive advancements in treatments now available to patients.

Dr. Marilyn Hopkins of Clinical Urology talked seniors through urinary tract infections, kidney stones and incontinence during a lunch N’ learn with Marshall County’s first female urologist.

Dr. Hopkins said her practice is made up of equal numbers of men and women. The most common ailment she sees is recurring urinary tract infections. The culprit often is menopause, which is why the condition is much more common in women. It can usually be cleared up with estrogen cream or over the counter supplements like cranberry or d-monnose.

“Supplements are handy but you must treat the underlying issues,” she said.

Dr. Hopkins’ office offers pelvic floor training, which can be helpful for both genders.

Another common complaint from urology patients is kidney stones. Not a surprise since Alabama is right in the middle of the kidney stone belt, largely because of diet and dehydration from the heat. The first question asked by a sufferer is whether the stone will pass. If it is too big to pass, the stone can be blasted by sound waves. Or a surgeon can go in with a scope and use lasers to remove it. Most stone treatments now are minimally invasive, she said.

The most common stone is made of calcium oxalate. Oxalate is found in dark sodas and dark tea. In addition to drinking a sufficient amount of water, Dr. Hopkins advises patients to opt for clear sodas and green tea.

The best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink lots of water. She recommends drinking enough to produce 2.5 liters of urine a day.

Incontinence, which is when the bladder is no longer communicating with the brain, can be treated in several ways. For urge incontinence, patients are usually advised to eliminate caffeine. They can be prescribed medication or have surgery such as a bladder pacemaker or Botox.

“These are good options for patients,” Dr. Hopkins said.

For stress incontinence, which is where the bladder is stretched, a sling can be used or an artificial sphincter for men.

“Those operations can be life-changing.”

Dr. Hopkins sees patients in the Albertville office on Mondays and Thursdays. Clinical Urology is located next to Papa Dubi’s on US 431.

The GoldCare55+ program is sponsored by Marshall Medical Centers to promote a healthy lifestyle for seniors. It offers members monthly lunch N’ learns and group travel. For questions about becoming a member, email kami.mitchell@mmcenters.com or call (256)571-8023.