Dr. Wanda Filer discusses how to overcome barriers to SUI treatment

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Wanda Filer, MD, MBA FAAFP, from Pelvital, discussed barriers to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment, and how OB-GYNs may address these issues.

SUI is a widespread condition affecting many women, with urinary incontinence in general impacting approximately 62% of US women. Among these cases, stress urinary incontinence is the most common.

Despite its prevalence, many women feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss their symptoms with a health care provider. There is a cultural normalization of the condition, as women are frequently exposed to advertisements for incontinence pads, leading them to believe they should manage the issue rather than seek treatment. As a result, most women do not bring up their symptoms to a clinician for at least 10 years, prolonging their discomfort and limiting their access to effective solutions.

One of the main barriers to treatment is the lack of awareness among both patients and health care providers. Many clinicians may only suggest Kegel exercises without exploring other available treatments, leaving patients with limited options. According to Filer, there is a significant opportunity for improvement in addressing SUI from both the patient and clinician perspectives. Screening for urinary incontinence is essential, particularly among postpartum women and older women, who are at a higher risk of experiencing the condition. Studies show that 1 in 3 postpartum women develop urinary incontinence within 3 months after childbirth, and many continue to experience symptoms years later.

To ensure patients receive proper care, Filer urged OB-GYNs and primary care providers to actively screen for urinary incontinence and educate women about available treatment options. One promising treatment discussed by Filer was Flyte, a device that utilizes mechanotherapy to provide results comparable to surgery. This at-home treatment requires only 5 minutes of use per day for 6 weeks, making it a convenient and effective solution for patients.

By integrating routine screening and increasing awareness of treatment options, health care providers can help women overcome the stigma surrounding SUI and access the care they need to improve their quality of life.

This video is part 1 of a 2-part series. Check back Monday for part 2.

Reference

Pelvital announces pivotal article highlighting efficacy of transvaginal mechanotherapy as first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Pelvital. February 12, 2025. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.prweb.com/releases/pelvital-announces-pivotal-article-highlighting-efficacy-of-transvaginal-mechanotherapy-as-first-line-treatment-for-stress-urinary-incontinence-302374521.html.