• Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    When to See a Doctor or Pelvic Floor Therapist

    Introduction Urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly affect daily life, confidence, and overall well-being. While mild symptoms may improve with lifestyle changes or exercises at home, knowing when to seek professional help is critical. A timely evaluation by a doctor or a pelvic floor physical therapist can prevent complications, identify underlying causes, and ensure effective, personalized treatment. Signs You Should See a Doctor Seek medical evaluation if you experience any of the following: 1. Persistent or Worsening Incontinence 2. Pain or Discomfort 3. Blood in Urine or Unusual Symptoms 4. Difficulty Emptying the Bladder or Bowel…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Incontinence After Childbirth or Prostate Surgery

    Introduction Urinary incontinence is a common condition that can affect both men and women, particularly after childbirth in women and prostate surgery in men. While often temporary, incontinence can significantly impact daily life, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and management strategies is key to recovery and regaining bladder control. Incontinence After Childbirth Causes Childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Factors contributing to postpartum incontinence include: Types of Postpartum Incontinence Management Strategies Incontinence After Prostate Surgery Prostate surgeries, such as prostatectomy for prostate cancer or transurethral resection of the…

  • Blog - Lifestyle & Wellness

    Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Incontinence: Diet, Fluids, Weight

    Introduction Urinary incontinence—the involuntary loss of bladder control—can affect daily life, self-confidence, and overall well-being. While medical treatments and exercises like pelvic floor training are important, lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing and reducing symptoms. Simple changes in diet, fluid intake, and body weight can significantly improve bladder control and reduce the frequency and severity of leakage. This article explores practical lifestyle strategies to help manage incontinence effectively. 1. Diet Modifications Certain foods and beverages can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence. Adjusting your diet can make a noticeable difference. Bladder Irritants to Limit or Avoid Foods That…

  • Blog - Health Issues

    Medications for Overactive Bladder

    Introduction Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia (nighttime urination), and urge incontinence. It can significantly affect daily life, sleep, and emotional well-being. While lifestyle modifications, bladder training, and pelvic floor exercises are first-line strategies, medications play a crucial role in managing symptoms when behavioral interventions alone are insufficient. This article outlines the main classes of medications used for OAB, how they work, potential side effects, and considerations for safe use. 1. Antimuscarinic (Anticholinergic) Medications How They Work Common Drugs Benefits Potential Side Effects 2. Beta-3 Adrenergic Agonists How They Work Common Drugs Benefits…

  • Blog - Health Issues

    Incontinence Products: Choosing the Right Pads, Underwear, Devices

    Introduction Urinary incontinence affects millions of people worldwide, making daily activities stressful and sometimes embarrassing. While medical evaluation and treatment are important, incontinence products can provide immediate support, protect clothing, and improve confidence. With a wide variety of pads, protective underwear, and medical devices available, choosing the right option depends on the type and severity of incontinence, lifestyle, and personal comfort. This guide explains the different types of products, their uses, and tips for selecting what works best for you. Types of Incontinence Products 1. Absorbent Pads 2. Protective Underwear 3. External Catheters and Devices 4. Bed and Furniture Protection…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Bladder Training Techniques for Urge Incontinence

    Introduction Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often leading to involuntary leakage. It can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. While medications and lifestyle changes can help, bladder training is a first-line, non-invasive therapy proven to improve bladder control by teaching the bladder and brain to communicate more effectively. This article provides a step-by-step guide to bladder training techniques for managing urge incontinence. How Bladder Training Works Bladder training involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits, teaching the bladder to hold urine for longer periods…

  • Blog - Fitness & Exercise

    Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): A Step-by-Step Guide for Men and Women

    Introduction The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and (in women) the uterus. These muscles play a vital role in controlling urination, bowel movements, and sexual function. Over time, factors like pregnancy, childbirth, aging, surgery, obesity, and chronic coughing can weaken the pelvic floor, leading to issues such as urinary incontinence or reduced sexual satisfaction. Pelvic floor exercises—commonly called Kegel exercises—strengthen these muscles and improve control. The best part? They’re simple, effective, and can be done anywhere without special equipment. This step-by-step guide will show men and women how to properly perform Kegels, avoid…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Types of Incontinence: Stress, Urge, Overflow, Functional – Causes & Symptoms

    Introduction Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, leading to accidental leakage of urine. While it is more common in older adults and women, it can affect people of any age or gender. Incontinence is not a disease itself but a symptom of underlying health issues. Understanding the different types—stress, urge, overflow, and functional incontinence—can help individuals identify causes, recognize symptoms, and seek appropriate medical support. 1. Stress Incontinence Causes Symptoms 2. Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder) Causes Symptoms 3. Overflow Incontinence Causes Symptoms 4. Functional Incontinence Causes Symptoms Conclusion Urinary incontinence can be distressing and affect quality of…

  • Blog - Health Issues

    Focusing on Health at Every Size (HAES): Movement Principles

    Introduction For decades, weight loss has been viewed as the central measure of health, with medical advice often centered on dieting, calorie restriction, and achieving a “healthy” body size. However, a growing body of research challenges this weight-centric approach, suggesting that health is not defined solely by numbers on a scale. Instead, the Health at Every Size (HAES) movement promotes a holistic framework that emphasizes overall well-being, self-acceptance, and sustainable health behaviors—regardless of body size or weight. HAES is not about denying the health risks associated with obesity; rather, it aims to reduce weight stigma while focusing on long-term, achievable…

  • Blog - Health Issues

    Addressing Weight Bias and Stigma in Healthcare

    Introduction Obesity and overweight affect millions of people worldwide, but those living with higher body weights often face more than just physical health challenges—they also encounter weight bias and stigma. In healthcare settings, this can result in patients feeling judged, dismissed, or overlooked, which may prevent them from seeking medical care. Addressing weight bias is not just about kindness; it’s a matter of improving health outcomes, trust, and equality in medical treatment. What is Weight Bias and Stigma? In healthcare, these biases may show up as: The Impact of Weight Bias in Healthcare How Healthcare Professionals Can Address Weight Bias…