Bladder leakage isn’t something you have to live with. Whether you’re dealing with occasional leaks or persistent symptoms, there’s a solution that fits your lifestyle. Listen now to discover if a bladder lift could be the next step in your wellness journey and take back your freedom.

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Bladder issues are one of those quiet, often unspoken health concerns that affect millions of women, yet rarely get the attention they deserve. In a recent episode of the LifeSculpt by ChristiMD podcast, Dr. Christi Pramudji Dawe tackled the topic head-on, offering practical insights into bladder lifts, who they’re for, and the most common misconceptions she hears from patients in her practice.

Why We Need to Talk About Bladder Health

Urinary incontinence is much more than a minor inconvenience. According to Dr. Christi, about 30 to 40 percent of women experience some form of leakage, and many could benefit from a bladder lift. While it may start as a minor annoyance, incontinence tends to get worse with age and can lead to serious physical, emotional, and social consequences.

Many women stop drinking enough water, leading to dehydration, skin issues, and kidney problems. Others give up exercise altogether because of fear or embarrassment, which affects long-term health and vitality. Some even avoid travel, intimacy, and social gatherings.

Bladder control plays a major role in overall well-being, and the good news is, there are highly effective solutions.

What Exactly Is a Bladder Lift?

A bladder lift, more technically known as a sling procedure, is a minimally invasive surgery designed to treat stress urinary incontinence. This is the kind of leakage that happens when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise.

During the procedure, a sling is placed under the urethra to provide support. Over time, the body heals around this sling, creating a stronger seal that prevents urine from leaking during physical movement or pressure.

Dr. Christi prefers the retropubic sling, which she has found to have the best long-term success in her 25 years of practice. While other techniques are available and widely used by other surgeons, her experience supports this approach for its reliability and patient satisfaction.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

As with any procedure, there are myths and misunderstandings. Here are some of the most common questions Dr. Christi hears from patients, along with the facts you should know.

Will I have to do this again?

While it is possible the sling may need to be revised or repeated in the future, most women enjoy long-lasting results. One long-term study followed women for 17 years after their sling surgery, and 85 percent were still dry or nearly dry. Many women will never need a second procedure, especially if the first one is done correctly and supported by healthy habits.

Will this fix all types of incontinence?

This is an important distinction. The bladder sling is designed specifically for stress incontinence, not urge incontinence. Urge incontinence, which often involves a sudden, uncontrollable need to urinate, is a separate condition. Sometimes both types occur together. In those cases, the sling may improve symptoms, but it is not guaranteed to fix the urge component. Additional treatments may be necessary.

Will I feel normal right away?

Recovery takes time. Some patients notice immediate improvement, but others need several weeks or even a few months before the full benefits are felt. Mild dribbling, urgency, or slower urine flow can happen temporarily during healing. This is normal and usually resolves with time.

Is the surgery painful?

Most patients are surprised at how easy the recovery is. The procedure is minimally invasive, and discomfort is usually limited to the small incision sites. Most patients do not report pain around the urethra or vaginal area, which is often a concern before surgery.

Can I still have kids after this?

This depends on your individual situation. While the surgery can technically be performed if you’re planning to have more children, a vaginal delivery could undo the results. Dr. Christi discusses this with each patient to weigh the risks and benefits. For younger women who may want children in the future, non-surgical treatments like Bulkamid, a urethral bulking agent, can be a good option.

If I’m still leaking afterward, did the surgery fail?

Not necessarily. Healing is a process, and it may take time for the sling to settle fully. In some cases, a combination approach is used. For example, a sling followed by a bulking agent may offer the best results. Patience and follow-up with your surgeon are essential.

Will I need a catheter?

This is a big fear for many women, but the chances are low. Thanks to advances in technique, Dr. Christi now removes the catheter in the operating room so most patients wake up without one. Fewer than 2 percent of her patients need a catheter post-operatively, and in those rare cases, it’s usually temporary.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Incontinence often worsens over time and can lead to social isolation, reduced physical activity, and even premature dependence on assisted care. Taking action earlier can prevent many of these outcomes and improve your health span.

Dr. Christi emphasizes that you don’t need to wait until things get worse. Whether you’re dealing with occasional leaks or more frequent issues, there are effective treatments available, both surgical and non-surgical.

A Personalized Approach

No two patients are the same. That’s why a thorough evaluation by a specialist in urogynecology or urology is so important. At LifeSculpt by ChristiMD in Houston, Dr. Christi and her team offer customized care designed to meet your personal health goals.

If you’re not local, she recommends looking for a specialist through the American Urogynecologic Society or a similar professional organization to ensure you’re getting experienced, qualified care.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been living with bladder leakage, know that you are not alone and you are not without options. A bladder lift might be the right solution for you, or there may be another treatment that better suits your lifestyle and needs.

Listen to the full episode of LifeSculpt by ChristiMD for even more insights, or schedule a consultation to explore your options with a qualified professional.

Your health, happiness, and freedom are worth it.