Breaking the Silence Around Incontinence…
For generations, incontinence was a topic wrapped in silence and secrecy — all with good intentions, meant to protect a person’s dignity. Many women hid their symptoms out of fear and embarrassment, enduring postpartum or age-related incontinence in isolation. Unfortunately, that culture of secrecy often prevented women from seeking help and deepened the stigma surrounding the condition.
Over time, these habits have been passed down, leaving countless women to suffer quietly with conditions that are easily treated. Many have come to believe that incontinence is “just part of getting older” or “something you have to live with.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Incontinence can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life — physically, emotionally, and socially. It can cause embarrassment, social withdrawal, and even depression. The constant worry about leaks may make women avoid exercise, travel, laughter, or even everyday interactions. Managing it can also bring financial and practical burdens, from buying protective products to dealing with skin irritation and sleep disruption.
In my experience, many patients simply don’t realize that something can be done. They give up gym memberships, avoid social events, or carefully plan every outing around bathroom access — all because of fear. When these women finally learn that there are effective, simple solutions, their relief is incredible. Once treated, they often tell me, “I have my life back.” These are some of my happiest patients.
Thankfully, awareness is growing, and women are beginning to understand that incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of. While it’s often related to childbirth or aging, it’s not something anyone must simply accept. With the right care, most women can find significant — and sometimes complete — relief.
Today’s treatments are more effective and far less invasive than in the past. We now have safe medications with fewer side effects, none of which are linked to dementia as older drugs were. Many women see major improvement with a simple prescription.
Physical therapy can also play a key role. By strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor muscles, many women experience substantial improvement — sometimes full resolution — of their symptoms.
For others, minimally invasive options such as pessaries, nerve stimulation therapy, or in-office bladder Botox treatments can offer tremendous relief. Botox, in particular, has been a game-changer for women with overactive bladder or interstitial cystitis.
When surgery is needed, modern techniques make it quick, safe, and highly successful. A common option, the mid-urethral sling, is a short 10–15 minute procedure after which most women return to normal activity the next day. The success rate is over 95%, with no overnight hospital stay required.
In the end, women should know that urinary incontinence is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. At Calhoun Women’s Center, we have many safe and effective options to help you regain control — and get back to living your life fully and confidently.
You deserve to live without the limitations that incontinence can bring.
Modern treatments are safe, simple, and effective — and we’re here to help guide you through them.
📞 Call Calhoun Women’s Center at 706-509-8251 to schedule a visit and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
