Erasing The Stigma Of Incontinence

For women young and old, stress urinary incontinence is a common – and often unnerving – problem.  It affects women across the life cycle, including athletes, pregnant women and 30-something mothers, menopausal women, seniors and women who’ve had gynecological surgery.  The good news is that in many cases, simple treatments like exercise will improve or even cure urine leakage.

Amazingly enough, although the treatment options are simple, safe and effective, the real challenge is getting women to talk about their incontinence – even with their doctor.  One of the major obstacles to early and effective treatment is that the issue is shrouded in embarrassment and secrecy.  Often, women assume it is just their lot in life to endure the discomfort and awkwardness of urine leakage.  Or, they incorrectly presume incontinence is a natural part of pregnancy, menopause or aging.  Instead of seeking medical care, they severely limit their activities.

One of the most common types of incontinence -- stress urinary incontinence -- accounts for nearly 50% of all incontinence cases, and is often caused by strenuous exercise, childbirth, loss of pelvic muscle tone or gynecological surgery.  Women with this condition unexpectedly leak urine as a result of simple everyday activities or stresses on the body, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing or ordinary movements.  As a result, many otherwise active women who suffer from this condition, withdraw from friends, don’t attend social occasions, and refrain from many kinds of physical activity.

Instead, women should be encouraged to see their health care provider about a possible treatment. They’ll be advised of non-surgical and of surgical options, out-patient procedures such as urethral bulking agents and sub-urethral slings.

Whatever the remedy, women should know that they need not live with incontinence.  All women should feel comfortable talking about this condition.  Not only do the available treatments improve the physical wellbeing of patients, but they also provide tremendous psychological benefits, restoring a woman’s confidence so she can resume a normal, active life.

Call today to set up a consultation to see if a minimally invasive procedure or other treatment for urinary incontinence is right for you. 970-384-2000.

Dr. Cindy Hall, D.O. OB/GYN
A Center for Women's Care, P.C.
http://womens-carepc.com
Glenwood Springs
Bladder Health Education Campaign