Like one in four Australians, Catherine Davis suffers from an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and debilitating disorder.
The Sydney mum of two experiences incontinence – a loss of bladder control – like more than half under 50 and one in three women who have given birth.
During World Continence Week, the 36-year-old opened up about her condition, admitting to seeing a psychologist because it was traumatic for her after the birth of her two boys, aged 9 and 5.
“It’s been horrendous since I had the boys. I need to know where the toilets are and how quickly I can get there whenever I go out,” Ms. Davis said.
“Being incontinent has impacted massively on my life, and I can only wear loose trousers, usually black, in case I have an ‘accident’. Anything tight and brightly colored is too noticeable.
“It’s also affected my quality time with the kids – I can’t even go on the trampoline with them.
“It’s embarrassing … People joke about it, but it’s debilitating.”
Camera Icon Catherine Davis, 36, is one of the 25 percent of Australians who suffer from incontinence. Supplied Credit: Supplied
Incontinence treatment was previously limited, painful, and invasive, but Ms. Davis has since tried revolutionary radiofrequency technology that was only launched in the nation last month.
Empower RF uses radiofrequency technology to treat weak pelvic floor muscles, stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence in women.
Three complementary energies – submucosal fractional radiofrequency, intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation, and bipolar radiofrequency – and different applicators that are inserted internally are used during sessions.
The treatment – designed to address bladder dysfunction, genito-urinary syndrome of menopause, sexual dysfunction or enhancement, and pelvic aesthetic indications – has previously been used in the United States or America, Israel, and the UK.
Camera IconThe Sydney mum of two said the disorder was ‘embarrassing’ and affected her everyday life. Supplied Credit: Supplied
Ms. Lowe has had four sessions and said she noticed a difference after her first.
“It’s been life-changing. If I’m out and need to pee, I can hold it until I get to a toilet, and I can laugh, cough, and sneeze without worrying that I’m going to wet myself,” she said.
“It also feels tighter ‘down there’ in general, and I feel like I’m back to normal like I was before having children.”
Camera IconMore than five million Australians, or one in four, aged 15 and over experience bladder or bowel control problems. File image Credit: News Regional Media
Obstetrician Elizabeth Golez, who performs the treatment in Sydney, said the radio-frequencies strengthened pelvic floor muscles and returned collagen liquidity to vaginal walls.
“The patient response has shown a noticeable difference after just one treatment. But it’s imperative that depending on the severity of their issues, patients would need to continue to be treated for a set period to ensure the results are magnified,” Dr. Golez said.
“We know that over time the female anatomy evolves due to multiple factors – pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal transformations, menopause, and aging; hence inevitably, the pelvic floor is negatively impacted, leading to weakness and stress urinary incontinence.
“Utilising EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) via the Vtone applicator provides a muscular re-education and rehabilitation for weak pelvic floor muscles.”
The EmpowerRF technology is provided to Australian medics by InMode Australia.
The company’s managing director Dennis Cronje said the device was revolutionary because treatment could be done in an office with “astounding” results rather than at a hospital.
“So many women are suffering in silence but no longer need to. EmpowerRF restores patient self-confidence and quality of life without surgery or prolonged downtime,” Mr. Cronje said.
Camera IconData suggests 80 percent of people with urinary incontinence are women. Credit: News Regional Media
