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Myths about urinary incontinence
- Incontinence is a normal part of aging
- There's nothing you can do about incontinence, so just wear a pad
- You'll have to have surgery to fix your incontinence
- Your doctor can't help you with incontinence
- Running for the bathroom is a good idea
Myth #1: Incontinence is a normal part of aging
Contrary to the myth that aging inevitably leads to incontinence...lifestyle, genetics, and underlying conditions can all play a role in whether women will struggle with urinary incontinence.
Example 1: Jane is a vibrant 70-year-old who practices healthy habits. Despite her age, she has never experienced urinary incontinence due to her commitment to regular exercise, a balanced diet, and pelvic floor exercises. Jane's story illustrates that aging alone doesn't dictate bladder control; lifestyle choices play a crucial role.
Example 2: Emma is a 28-year-old who recently gave birth to a baby girl. During her pregnancy, hormonal changes stretched Emma's pelvic floor muscles, and the weight of the expanding uterus further weakened these muscles, leading to occasional leaks of urine. As her baby moved down during birth, the pelvic floor stretched even more. The combination of hormonal shifts and stretched muscles contributed to Emma's struggle with urinary incontinence after childbirth.
Emma could have been just as focused on healthy living as Jane, however, due to the circumstances and how Emma’s body responded to pregnancy and childbirth, she is now struggling with urinary incontinence.
Myth #2: There's nothing you can do about incontinence, so just wear a pad and deal with it
Many women think there are no viable treatment options for urinary incontinence, leading them to rely on wearing pads as the solution. However, the reality is that they’ve simply not been informed of their options. Many treatment options exist beyond simply wearing pads. Behavioral therapy, including pelvic muscle training and bladder training, offers effective non-invasive approaches. Additionally, relaxation exercises, dietary modifications, and specific medications can be tailored to each individual, addressing the underlying causes and improving overall bladder control.
Myth #3: You'll have to have surgery to fix your incontinence
Due to a lack of communication between provider and patient, there are a lot of rumors surrounding viable treatment for urinary incontinence. Non-surgical treatments play a crucial role in managing incontinence. Pelvic muscle training through Kegel exercises, bladder training, relaxation exercises, dietary adjustments, and prescribed medications are non-invasive alternatives. Surgery is reserved for specific cases, highlighting the importance of exploring less invasive options first.
Myth #4: Your doctor can't help you with incontinence
Again this is due to the lack of communication on the doctor's part (and the patient's part at times) to adequately discuss the entire women’s health situation when in the office. Urologists, Gynecologists, and Nurse Practitioners specializing in women’s health are equipped to address urinary incontinence comprehensively. Seeking medical advice, whether from a primary care physician, gynecologist, or urogynecologist, ensures appropriate evaluation and personalized treatment plans, improving the quality of life for individuals dealing with urinary incontinence.
Myth #5: Running for the bathroom is a good idea
We’ve ALL seen the pharmaceutical ads of women DASHING to the bathroom while on a quiet dinner date, or watching a movie with family and friends. It’s important to note that there are numerous options to address urinary incontinence (that don’t include pharmaceutical prescriptions). Things as simple as taking a moment to practice a deep breath and engage in a robust Kegel contraction can help manage urgent bladder spasms. This provides a more controlled and effective solution, allowing individuals to calmly walk to the bathroom without exacerbating the urgency.
We’ll keep busting down the myth doors and providing you with everything you need to know to treat your urinary incontinence. Speaking of treatment options, here’s an in-depth post of ALL the most common treatment options for urinary incontinence.
The most effective way to treat urinary incontinence
The O-Shot® (Platelet-Rich Plasma injection) for urinary incontinence
Traditionally, surgical procedures were common for managing stress incontinence, but the O-Shot® offers an alternative approach. Developed over a decade ago, the O-Shot® involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP), derived from the woman's own blood, back into her body. PRP, containing highly active growth factors, stimulates cell and tissue regeneration, benefiting the area around the urethra causing stress incontinence.
How the O-Shot® works:
Platelet-rich plasma is obtained by separating blood into its components, plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. A centrifuge (spinning device) is used to separate the blood into its separate parts. The injection, administered near the urethra (pee tube), prompts the bone marrow to create new blood vessels and tissues. Over several days, weeks, and months, this new tissue develops, potentially treating urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence is caused by weakening tissue around the urethra. If your muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the bladder have lost strength or tension, the bladder and urethra are unsupported, leading to leakage.
The O-Shot® helps create fresh, revitalized tissue that supports the bladder and urethra. This gives women better control and helps reduce urinary incontinence.
FAQs About O-Shot®:
Is the O-Shot® FDA approved?
Procedures are not approved or disapproved by the FDA. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) monitors the safety of foods and drugs produced in the United States.
Since the O-Shot® is neither a food nor a drug the FDA is not involved, in the same way, that hysterectomies, c-sections, and PRP injections for sports-related injuries are not “approved by the FDA”. With that in mind, the procedure itself is not FDA-approved, but the kits used for the O-Shot® contain FDA-approved components.
Can anyone administer the O-Shot®?
No. Proper training and certification are required to administer the O-Shot® safely. Every provider at Epiphany Women’s Health is certified to administer the O-Shot®. You can verify this by visiting the Cellular Medicine Association.
Next steps to treat urinary incontinence
If you find it uncomfortable to talk about urinary incontinence, remember that more than 50% of women are struggling with urinary incontinence. You’re not alone. When you’re at Epiphany Women’s Health, you’re in a judgment-free zone. We are here to get you back on top of your game and living your best life. No more peeing your pants!
If you’re ready to take the first step toward treating urinary incontinence, please book an appointment online today!
Explore your choices and embrace the lifestyle you desire.
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