How to talk to your provider about pelvic health

Pelvic health issues are common as we age. The pelvic floor includes the muscles that support our bladder and bowel. These muscles can weaken over time, leading to problems like urine leakage. In fact, up to 75% of women and 21% of men over 65 experience urine leakage. It’s important to remember that common doesn’t mean normal. If you have symptoms like bladder leakage and pelvic pain, these are not something that you ‘just have to deal with.’

Talking to your provider is an important step in improving your pelvic health. The sooner you talk to your provider, the sooner you can get treated.

For men, talk to your urologist. These are doctors who specialize in pelvic health, and deal with issues in the kidneys, bladder, prostate, penis, and testicles. Dr. Tom Gaither, urologist at UCLA, says “Many men are hesitant to talk about issues with their penis, bladder, or rectum out of embarrassment. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you’re talking to your doctor. In fact, as a doctor, we can learn a lot about your overall health by talking about your urinary and sexual habits.”

For women, talk to your Obstetrician-Gynecologist or OB-GYN. This is your primary doctor for women’s health. Your OB-GYN can help diagnose and treat issues with incontinence, pelvic pain, and menopause. Dr. Sonam Sayania, pelvic floor physical therapist mentions “women often suffer in silence when it comes to their health. Especially if you have incontinence or post-menopause or symptoms, it’s important to talk to your provider.”

If you have symptoms, it’s better to talk to your provider earlier rather than later. Dr. Tom Gaither shares, "I often wish my patients would reach out to their primary care provider sooner. Early conversations can lead to timely support, making it easier for me, as a specialist, to help with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment."

Schedule your appointment, and download this printable checklist to bring with you.

At Bold, we’re here to help you on your journey toward better pelvic health and well-being so you can stay confident as you age. Keep moving and learning with Bold’s specialized pelvic health programs.