Two-thirds of Women Don’t Tell Their Gyno About Incontinence — Let’s Break the Stigma

In the hushed corners of women’s health, there exists a pervasive silence around a condition that affects two-thirds of women, yet remains shrouded in embarrassment and misconception: urinary incontinence. This often-overlooked issue, wrongly tethered to the stereotypes of aging, emerges as a significant yet stigmatized facet of women’s lives. The unspoken nature of this topic leaves countless women feeling old, out of control, and isolated in their struggle.

However, in this landscape of unspoken challenges, there shines a beacon of hope in the form of Gloria Kolb and ELITONE®️. Gloria Kolb, the visionary CEO and co-founder of ELITONE®, stands at the forefront of redefining the narrative surrounding urinary incontinence. Her groundbreaking contributions, backed by 30 patents and a myriad of accolades, have revolutionized the realm of women’s health.

Unveiling the stigma and bridging barriers

Urinary incontinence affects nearly half the population of women, but is obscured by layers of stigma and numerous obstacles that hinder them from seeking assistance and perpetuate misunderstandings. The prevalent misconception that incontinence is an inevitable facet of aging significantly contributes to this stigma. This misguided belief system not only normalizes the condition, but also leads women to accept it silently, feeling resigned to a fate they believe is out of their control. Society’s emphasis on youthfulness exacerbates feelings of shame and a loss of control, further isolating those affected.

The emotional toll exacted by this stigma is profound. The silence and societal taboos surrounding incontinence generate a sense of shame and isolation among women, causing many to feel alone in their struggle, convinced that they are the sole bearers of this challenge. Consequently, the lack of open conversations heightens their emotional burden, making it harder to seek the support they need. “There is a high correlation between incontinence and depression,” shares Kolb.

The impact doesn’t stop at emotional distress, however. It also extends to daily life. Fear of embarrassment and societal judgment leads women to limit their activities, restricting their freedom and curtailing their ability to seek necessary help, creating a cycle of silence that perpetuates the problem.

Cultural and healthcare system factors

Urinary incontinence’s complexities extend beyond individual experiences, entangled with cultural norms and systemic aspects that impact addressing this prevalent issue. Cultural perspectives play a significant role, with some societies maintaining taboos around discussing pelvic health problems, hindering women from seeking medical help due to deeply rooted social norms and beliefs. Particularly in minority communities, prevailing misconceptions and biases surrounding incontinence exacerbate stigma, creating barriers to open conversations and healthcare access.

Within healthcare systems, time constraints and structural limitations pose substantial challenges. “Gynecologists, often primary healthcare providers for women, face constrained schedules, often omitting inquiries about bladder health during appointments,” Kolb notes. “This oversight results in missed opportunities for early intervention.”

The amalgamation of cultural perceptions and healthcare system constraints significantly impacts timely access to care. Women influenced by cultures discouraging discussion of pelvic health issues may delay seeking medical attention until the condition worsens, leading to more invasive treatments or surgeries. This delay amplifies both physical and emotional distress for affected individuals. Get innovative and integrative vaginal healthcare, powered by a state-of-the-art vaginal microbiome test by Evvy Vaginal Health.

Educating, empowering, and encouraging women to seek treatment

Empowering women with knowledge and support is a pivotal step in challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding urinary incontinence. Disseminating accurate information regarding its prevalence, causes, and available treatments plays a crucial role in dispelling myths and misconceptions, and breaking down barriers to seeking help. Moreover, normalizing discussions around incontinence within communities, peer groups, and healthcare settings fosters a supportive environment that encourages women to feel less isolated and more comfortable seeking assistance.

Highlighting the significance of early intervention remains imperative. Educating women about the importance of addressing incontinence in its early stages can prevent the condition from escalating and requiring more invasive treatments later on. By emphasizing various treatment options, including non-invasive interventions like ELITONE®️, women are empowered with choices, enabling them to proactively manage their health.

Furthermore, promoting awareness about how incontinence may impact overall health, including mental well-being, exercise limitations, and its association with conditions like UTIs and menopause, is crucial. This holistic understanding encourages comprehensive health management and motivates proactive measures.

Encouraging women to seek treatment involves fostering an environment where they feel empowered to take control of their bladder health and overall well-being. “By combining accurate information dissemination, normalized discussions, emphasis on early intervention, and holistic health awareness, we aim to build a supportive framework that encourages and enables women to seek the treatment and support they deserve for urinary incontinence,” says Kolb.

Normalizing discussion and support

Normalizing discussions surrounding urinary incontinence stands as a crucial step in dispelling stigma and fostering a supportive environment for affected individuals. In this pursuit, innovations like ELITONE®️ serve not only as a treatment avenue but also as a catalyst for open conversations.

In addition to technological advancements like ELITONE®️, creating supportive networks and safe spaces where women feel comfortable discussing their challenges is essential. Forums — both online and within communities — serve as platforms where individuals can openly share their experiences, seek advice, and find support. Healthcare professionals also play a significant role by actively initiating conversations and incorporating ELITONE®️ as a viable treatment option during consultations, contributing to the normalization process.

Moreover, education and awareness campaigns centered around destigmatizing incontinence and highlighting innovative treatments like ELITONE®️ contribute to the normalization of discussions. This approach aims to reduce misconceptions and foster a more empathetic and supportive societal response to individuals affected by urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence represents a widespread yet stigmatized condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Through collaborative efforts to educate, empower, and support those affected, we can normalize discussions, dispel misconceptions, encourage early treatment, and foster environments where women feel heard, assisted, and in control of their health.

The future lies in reducing stigma and promoting innovative solutions like ELITONE® to improve women’s well-being and quality of life.

Claire Cattone, California Business Journal