Valentine’s Day is a special evening: maybe you go to a nice restaurant, share a bottle of wine and dessert, see a romantic movie, then head home for a nightcap. But for individuals who suffer with incontinence, Valentine’s Day may be yet another holiday to avoid. Constant worry about leaking, finding a restroom in an unfamiliar place, or sitting through a movie is enough to ruin the best of evenings. And after a night of stressful situations or frequent pad changing, setting the “mood” at home becomes harder than ever.
Bladder incontinence is an all too common issue. In fact, an estimated 25-30 million American adults suffer with incontinence. Overactive bladder syndrome, also known as urge incontinence, can leave you sprinting for the restroom with frequent urges and little notice. Stress incontinence happens when leaks occur from sneezing, coughing, or exercising. Many individuals will experience both urge and stress incontinence. Whether you suffer from one or both, each dramatically affects your quality life, including your ability to enjoy a romantic evening with your partner.
“On the intimate side, it’s very embarrassing because you don’t always have control over your bladder,” said Melissa, 57, a successful recipient of InterStim® Therapy to control urinary incontinence and patient of Dr. Cathy Naughton, St. Louis Incontinence Institute physician. “You never know when it’s going to act up.”
Dr. Naughton, also Director of the Center for Sexual Health, states, “Women with urinary incontinence have decreased sexual function[1] and sexual dysfunction was common (46%) among 216 women with urinary incontinence and/or lower urinary track symptoms in one study. [2] Many women suffer in silence because they are too embarrassed to speak with their physician.”
Often, many “just live with it,” and deny themselves previously enjoyable activities. There is help! Urinary incontinence is very treatable. The Incontinence Institute offers highly effective urinary and bowel incontinence treatment options. Let us help you get your confidence -and Valentine’s Day- back.
Contact us or call our discreet, dedicated Medical Concierge at 800-771-1953 to learn more or to set up a consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate physicians.
[1] Aslan et al. Int J Impot Res 17:248,2005; Sen et al. Adv Ther 23:999,2006
[2] Salonia et al. Eur Urol 45:642,2000