Bladder & Pelvic Health
Axia Women’s Health joins the American Urological Association, the National Association for Continence, the Urology Care Foundation, and countless others in recognizing November as Bladder Health Awareness Month. An estimated 33 million+ Americans suffer from problematic bladder conditions. Affecting women in their twenties and becoming increasingly more common with each decade of life, the very private nature of these bladder issues prevents the open dialogue needed to seek help. This notion of thinking about it but not acting on it is often called “bladder on the brain”—and is arguably the biggest challenge to bladder health that women face.
It is critical to overcome the social stigma associated with bladder function and take an honest look at common bladder health issues women encounter, as well as understand what the steps to improve bladder health look like. It is important to note that, while informing yourself is a necessary and key first step, learning more about your unique bladder health concerns with the guidance of a Urogynocologist can give you the answers you need to live comfortably and confidently.
Let’s help by identifying some of the conditions that our patients most frequently encounter.
While some of these conditions are more serious than others, the sheer number of people who are affected by each of these is staggering. Your first, best step is to inform your doctor if you have even the slightest notion that something is not as it should be. Some of the most common conditions are:
An area often associated with bladder health is the pelvic floor. Weakening of these muscles can lead to urinary leakage, accidental bowel leakage and pelvic organ prolapse. Axia’s own Dr. Donald DeBrakeleer recently shared an in-depth, two-part exploration of the facts, myths, causes, and treatments of two of the most common pelvic floor disorders in a series of webinars. If you weren’t able to join us, we invite you to click on the links below to watch these informative free sessions:
Part 1: Urinary Incontinence: Regaining Control Of Your Bladder & Lifestyle
Part 2: Overcoming Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
Should you experience any of these conditions, or have any questions about your own bladder issues, we strongly encourage you to speak to your Axia OB/GYN or urogynecologist and take those crucial first steps toward the active, healthy lifestyle you may be missing.
It cannot be emphasized enough that bladder challenges are one of the more common health issues experienced by women of all ages in our country, and therefore, you should not feel embarrassed to seek help. Let this monthly remembrance of Bladder Health Awareness Month be the nudge you need to take control of your bladder and gynecological health!
Meet our board-certified urogynecologists, or speak with your Axia OB/GYN today to regain control of your bladder issues.
Jose Maceda, MD | Donald DeBrakeleer, MS, DO, FACOG, FPMRS
Pelvic floor health is an essential part of women's health. We're so proud of the Director of our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Program, Dr. Gina Cunningham, who supported this bill to help advocate for women. We're so lucky to have providers that continue to lead the way in women's health!
#pelvicfloorPT #pelvicfloorhealth #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pelvicfloorawareness
With the warm summer months comes an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection. That's because the hot sumer weather can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Here are some tips to help you ward off UTIs, and keep on enjoying your summer! 👙☀️
#summerhealth #whatsupdownthere #vaginalhealth #womenshealth #UTIs #summer #healthylifestyle
Gina Cunningham, Director of the Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Program at Axia Women's Health, recently spoke with The Zoe Report on how physical therapy can help with pelvic floor disorders from bladder leaks to pain and tightness. Visit link in bio to learn more.🔗
#pelvicfloorhealth #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapists
Bloating, fatigue, and...shooting pains back there? Yep, this is a real symptom of your period. 😩 If you've ever experienced a painful spasm in your booty during your period, you're not alone. It's actually a real medical condition known as "proctalgia fugax." 📖
Hormones known as prostaglandins can trigger these painful muscle spasms as they cause the muscles in your pelvic floor and rectum to contract. Taking a warm bath, taking Aspirin or Ibuprofen, and pelvic floor physical therapy can help! 🛀Visit link in bio to learn more. 🔗
#periodcramps #periodpain #periodproblems #menstruation #menstrualcycle #menstrualhealth #whatsupdownthere
Let's talk about…bladder health! We're excited to chat with Nicole Waetzman, Director of Axia Women's Health Bladder and Pelvic Health Outreach program, next week about all things bladder health. We'll be busting common myths surrounding bladder health and shedding light on common conditions and how to treat them. Have a question for Nicole? Drop it in the comments below or DM us and we'll be sure to address it during the live discussion.
We're excited to chat with Gina Cunningham, Director of Axia's Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Program, next week about all things pelvic floor health. 💬 We'll be covering how to find and activate your pelvic floor muscles, the role that stress can play in pelvic floor dysfunction, and how physical therapy can help! 📢 Have a question for Gina? ❔Drop it in the comments below or DM us and we'll be sure to address it during the live discussion. 👇🏻
#pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #womenshealth #iglivestream
We're honored to be featured in Philadelphia Magazine's Be Well Philly 2022 print issue discussing the importance of pelvic floor health.👏🏻 If it seems like you've been hearing more about your pelvic floor lately, it's true! While more public attention has been placed on pelvic floor health, there's still much to be done. We're proud to be a part of this growing field of medicine and arming women with the info they need to feel comfortable discussing their concerns with their provider. 🙋🏽♀️Visit link in bio to read the full story!
#pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #bladderhealth #pelvichealth #pepvicfloorhealth