A woman who suffered from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) for years has spoken out about a minimally invasive procedure that transformed her life. She experienced leakage during exercise and daily activities after five pregnancies and three deliveries, but like many women, she never discussed it with a doctor.
Stress urinary incontinence affects an estimated 45% to 50% of women at least once a week. Despite this, research suggests that for every case reported to primary care doctors, 20 go unreported. Kegel exercises are commonly recommended, but the author found them insufficient and eventually sought alternative treatment.
The turning point came after a 10K run in February 2024, when she realised the smell of urine was coming from her own clothing. This prompted her to seek medical help, leading to a quick office procedure that resolved her symptoms.
Experts note that SUI also affects transgender men on hormone therapy and some cisgender men after prostate cancer treatment, though far less frequently. The author hopes that by sharing her story, more women will understand that effective treatment is available and that lifelong suffering is not inevitable.
