By: Jocelyn Craig, M.D., urogynecologist, medical director, Center for Women’s Pelvic Health, Long Beach Memorial
October is traditionally Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We run races to honor the memory of loved ones lost, and to encourage other warrior women to keep fighting. As a society we have become more accepting of openly discussing health problems and these kinds of events are crucial in providing education and helping women find proper treatment.
Well, did you know that November is bladder health month?
This may not seem like the most glamorous health issue but it affects a high percentage of women. Take a moment to notice the hefty stock and price of adult diapers or the endless line of women in line at the restrooms. It might seem that our bladders are running our lives.
It is estimated that one in four women ages 30-69 has some level of urinary incontinence. Another conservative statistic estimates that more than 40 million Americans struggle daily with overactive bladder syndrome – a constellation of symptoms including urgent and frequent need to urinate, getting up at night and leaking urine with a full bladder.
For women over the age of 55, urinary incontinence is the second cause of loss of employment. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that more patients visit their doctor for bladder control issues than for diabetes, asthma or allergy symptoms. The sheer number of us suffering silently with these symptoms argues that it’s time to focus on bladder health.
The goal of Bladder Health Month is to raise the national awareness, and to educate the public so that patients who deal with this condition can find the care they need.
Despite considerable discomfort, women often wait too long to seek medical treatment for bladder issues. For many this condition is associated with embarrassment and shame and it can be difficult for patients to bring up the topic with their doctor. This is unfortunate because very often urinary incontinence can be treated.
If your bladder is running your life and ruining your quality of life, it’s time to seek medical attention and suffer no more. New therapies, medications, and minimally invasive surgical procedures can offer hope to women currently coping with urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders.
The Center for Women’s Pelvic Health at Long Beach Memorial offers patients a comprehensive blend of community and hospital-based programs to bring relief for urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders. Our medical community has a full spectrum of specialized physicians and services needed to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with female pelvic floor disorders. Our goal is to facilitate a comprehensive approach to pelvic floor disorders by providing coordinated care for patients and guiding them in finding appropriate treatment, whether it be medical or surgical.
My hope is that the next time you want to laugh until you cry, or your girlfriend asks you to run the neighborhood 5K charity run, that it’s not your bladder holding you back.
To learn more about the Center for Women’s Pelvic Health, call 800-MEMORIAL.