Incontinence Isn’t Nothing

We have to talk about this. 

"Incontinence doesn't kill you, it just takes your life away" (unknown)

Pelvic problems (pain, pee, poop, seggsy time problems) affect 8 out 10 people, the same as back pain, but when people have back pain, they typically seek care within 2-3 weeks, whereas the average time a woman will suffer with pelvic problems is 5-7 years before she asks for help....then sometimes (not here, because the physicians at Teton Valley Health are fantastic, but other areas that might not be so progressive), she is told that the urges or leaks are normal,  so she continues to suffer :(.    Furthermore, she might not talk about it, so she doesn't realize that it's common, but not normal, and she feels alone. 

Having incontinence in the postpartum period increases the risk of postpartum depression by 45% (Gallego-Gomez, et al, 2024) and there are studies that show links between depression and incontinence as well (Zorn, et al 1999 and Przydacz, et al, 2020), with having incontinence being linked to more severe depression in Przydacz study.  

Incontinence products cost a person $10-38/week ($520-$2000 a year), and if almost half of women are experiencing incontinence at the age of 40, that continues through their 80s (if they don't receive help to manage it), that's $20-$80K over their lifetime...what else could they have spent that on (values from Chrisholm, 2022) link here

Additionally, having incontinence increases our risk of falls by 1.5-2x (Moon, et al 2021) and increases our risk of all cause mortalityby 2.2x (John, et al, 2016).  Let me repeat that: Having incontinence increases your risk of dying from ANY CAUSE by 2.2x!!  That's not nothing.

There's a famous saying that Incontinence doesn't kill you (although according to John, et al, it might), but it rather "just takes your life away."  Pelvic Physical Therapy can help give it back to you.  At any age.  It's never too late to try. 

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy helps eliminate urgency and leaks in 80% of clients, often in just 1-2 visits!!  That’s 4 out of 5 people that we can help!  The same success rate as surgical procedures with NONE of the potential side effects, usually much less cost, AND if it doesn’t work…you are set up with improved motor coordination for whatever is next, thereby increasing the chances of success of any other intervention!!

If your pelvic floor needs a tune up for the new year, and beyond, come for the education and community, and stay for the return investments in your health, wellbeing and future!   

Thanks for reading! 

XOXO

Dr. Kelly 

Find a Pelvic PT Near You

Schedule an Appointment in-person or online!

Follow on Instagram

For every four online courses sold, one is donated to someone in need through our People Before Profits program. LEARN MORE