LEWISTON – “Urinary Incontinence: You Are Not Alone” will be the subject of an Accenting Women’s Health program being offered on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Central Maine Medical Center.

Urogynecologist Dr. Ted M. Roth will discuss the causes of urinary incontinence and how it can be treated. Urogynecologists are physicians who have special training in the evaluation and care of women with pelvic floor dysfunction, urodynamic testing and surgical correction of associated problems.

The pelvic floor consists of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina and bladder. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or previous surgery.

Women who have pelvic floor dysfunction may experience urinary or fecal incontinence, descent of pelvic organs (including the uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum), pelvic pain, painful bladder syndrome or overactive bladder. However, these problems can be successfully treated.

Before starting his practice in the Lewiston-Auburn area earlier this year, Roth worked as an assistant professor with the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Division of Gynecology in Jackson, Miss., where he honed his skills in urodynamics and urogynecologic surgery.

While on the faculty at the University of Mississippi, he authored 12 peer-reviewed articles in the areas of urogynecologic and oncologic surgery, as well as three book chapters.

A graduate of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., Roth earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, N.Y. He completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. During his final year of residency, he served as a chief resident. As a graduating chief resident, he was presented awards for his surgical skills from the Division of Urogynecology and the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

Roth practices in association with gynecologists Drs. Michael T. Drouin and Susan W. Gaylord at the Women’s Health Center and the CMMC Bladder Control Center, clinical services of Central Maine Medical Center.

A question and answer session will follow his presentation.

The program will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to CMMC.

Those interested in attending the program are asked to register in advance by calling 795-2106. They may also register online by going to www.cmmc.org/calendar.html and clicking on Women’s Health. Class size is limited. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.