Answers to your questions about bladder control
Ladies, if you have questions about bladder leakage, you’re certainly not alone. Women’s health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd (OB/GYN) speaks candidly about stress urinary incontinence and an at-home solution called Tightra to help you take control and reclaim your power and confidence.
Q: What is stress urinary incontinence?
A: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is essentially a loss of bladder control. There are different types of incontinence, including stress, urge and mixed. However, the most common is SUI, which can occur with any type of strenuous movement such as exercise, laughing, coughing or sneezing. This can occur occasionally or for some women, all the time. The amount of leakage can vary as well.
Q: Who does it affect?
A: A bout 1 i n 3 w omen s uffer f rom S UI a t s ome point in their lives. SUI can also increase with age. About one-third of women aged 60 and above find that they experience some degree of lack of bladder control.
Q: I also have other intimate issues like vaginal dryness and laxity and my labia are not as plump as they used to be. Are they related to SUI?
A: This is usually related to the decrease in estrogen in the body after menopause, when skin tissue can become thinner and more fragile. Tightra’s radio frequency energy helps to promote the formation of collagen and elastin fibres, which both work to strengthen the vulvovaginal tissue, leading to an improvement in sexual pleasure, appearance and overall well-being.
Q: What causes SUI?
A: The pelvic floor supports the bladder and urethra. If this area gets stretched, weakened or damaged, it can result in a loss of bladder control, tightness and elasticity. Pelvic floor dysfunction can reveal itself in a variety of different ways. As the pelvic floor weakens, organs can start to shift and descend, putting additional pressure on the bladder and causing leakage. From a sexual health perspective, this shifting can cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Think of the pelvic floor as the scaffolding that keeps the bladder and gastrointestinal system in place. When these organs are not being held in place properly, whether it’s due to age, trauma or pregnancy, that’s when SUI issues can occur.
Tightra helps to address those issues and works on strengthening those muscles that are lacking the ability to do what they were made to do. Historically, one solution was treatments in a doctor’s office but Tightra offers a safe, effective and painfree solution in the privacy of your home.
Q: Are bladder leaks a normal part of getting older?
A: SUI can occur with aging, but other factors can contribute, such as genetics, a woman’s childbirth experience and other health-related factors, including chronic coughing, weight gain or pelvic surgery. If not properly addressed, SUI symptoms can worsen over time.
Q: I am really embarrassed about my urinary incontinence. What can I do about it?
A: Finding a support system is always helpful. Speaking with your healthcare provider is a good first step. Speak honestly and be open. There is information to guide the best way to treat these issues. You may be surprised to learn that friends and family members may be dealing with the same issues. Don’t be afraid to start the conversation.