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Medical Conditions & Treatments

Stop the Leaks, Not Your Life: What Every Woman Should Know About Urinary Incontinence

It starts small. A little leak when you laugh with friends. A sudden urge to run to the restroom when you’re out shopping. Or waking up two, three, even four times a night, wondering why your bladder just won’t give you a break.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not without options.

As a women’s health nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations with patients who are living with female urinary incontinence. Most of them have suffered in silence for years. Some thought it was just a normal part of aging. Others were too embarrassed to bring it up. But almost all of them say the same thing after getting help:

“I wish I hadn’t waited so long.”

What Is Urinary Incontinence, Really?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. That could mean:

  • A few drops when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise (known as stress incontinence)
  • A sudden urge to go, and not always making it in time (urge incontinence or overactive bladder)
  • Frequent urination or waking several times at night to pee
  • Feeling like your bladder is never quite empty

In fact, more than 60% of women in the U.S. experience some form of bladder control issues, and around 1 in 3 women report symptoms at least monthly. Despite how common it is, only a small number actually seek help.

One patient told me she had stopped attending church because she was embarrassed by how often she had to get up during service. Another shared that she avoided long road trips because she couldn’t go more than 30 minutes without needing a bathroom. These stories are heartbreaking, but more than that, they’re preventable.

You Don’t Have to “Just Live With It”

It’s time to bust the myth that bladder leaks are just something women have to accept after childbirth or menopause. Urinary incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging. It is a treatable medical condition.

We see women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Some are new moms, some are runners, some are retirees. Incontinence doesn’t discriminate. You have options.

If you find yourself:

  • Mapping out every restroom before leaving home
  • Turning down invitations out of fear of an accident
  • Cutting workouts short or skipping exercise altogether
  • Feeling isolated, embarrassed, or hopeless

…it’s time to reach out.

physical therapist with female patient during pelvic floor therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is a gentle, effective option that helps women feel stronger and more supported.

The First Step Toward Relief

One of the best things about treating bladder control issues is that we often start with simple, non-invasive solutions, not surgery or heavy medications.

At HMG Urogynecology, we tailor your care based on your lifestyle, goals, and the type of incontinence you’re experiencing. Some of the most effective treatment options for urinary incontinence include:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evenings.
  • Bladder Training: Learning how to gradually stretch the time between trips to the bathroom.
  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Specialized therapy to strengthen muscles that support your bladder and improve control.
  • Medications: For certain cases of urge incontinence or overactive bladder, we may prescribe medications to calm bladder spasms.
  • Estrogen Therapy: Vaginal estrogen creams and treatments are especially helpful for post-menopausal women experiencing thinning tissues.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: Urethral bulking agents or bladder slings can provide long-term relief in more severe cases.

I often joke with my patients that “all the good things in life (coffee, wine, chocolate, etc.) irritate the bladder.” But the truth is, with the right guidance and care, you don’t have to give up everything you love to regain control over your bladder and your life.

senior woman driving a car, waving
Back in the driver’s seat—because it’s never too late to take control and stop mapping out every restroom.

Putting Your Life Back in Motion

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is hearing women say things like:

“I can sit through a whole movie again!”
“I finally signed up for that yoga class!”
“We went on a beach trip and I didn’t have to worry about where the nearest bathroom was!”

Bladder control issues can feel incredibly personal and isolating, but when women realize they’re not alone, they often feel an immediate sense of relief. At Holston Medical Group, our mission is to build lasting relationships with our patients, so you feel seen, supported, and empowered to take control of your health.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If bladder leaks are holding you back from living your fullest life, let’s talk. It’s not too late, and you are never too young or too old to get the care you deserve.

You don’t have to live with urinary incontinence. You don’t have to wait until it gets worse. Let’s put your health, confidence, and comfort back in your hands, together.