Life Without Leaks

Embarrassment. Frustration. Unanswered questions. For many people living with bladder or bowel conditions, these feelings can become just as challenging as the symptoms themselves. In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we're joined by board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Jannah Thompson and patient advocate Morgon for an honest and inspiring conversation about navigating the healthcare journ...

Millions of women experience overactive bladder or urge urinary incontinence, but far too many assume it's simply part of getting older or something they have to live with. The truth is, effective treatments exist, and help may be easier to find than you think. In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we welcome urogynecologist Dr. Susan Oakley to follow up on her recent NAFC webinar and answe...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we're joined by Dr. Barbara Frank of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, along with Alex Fennell, co-founder of Attn: Grace, an innovative manufacturer of incontinence products. Together, we explore the realities of bladder leaks and pelvic floor health during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause and menopause, and we discus...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we sit down with Dr. Mia Duncan, a dual board-certified urologist and urogynecologist, to explore the connection between bladder health and longevity.  Dr. Duncan explains why incontinence is often just the “tip of the iceberg,” and how early bladder symptoms can signal broader health issues. From root-cause diagnosis and bladder diaries to sleep disruption,...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we speak with Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, about one of the most disruptive - and misunderstood - GI symptoms: bowel urgency. Dr. O’Leary breaks down the difference between IBD and IBS, explaining how Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis differ from non-inflammatory bowel conditions, and why some patients can actually ha...

In this deeply honest episode of Life Without Leaks , we talks with Judy, a retired school secretary whose bowel incontinence began after surviving stage three endometrial cancer. Following chemotherapy, radiation and extensive lymph node removal, Judy gradually developed worsening bowel control issues that now affect nearly every aspect of her life. From constant urgency and frequent accidents to...

What happens when you’re constantly scanning for the nearest bathroom? When social plans, work schedules and even sleep revolve around the fear of not making it in time? In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we welcome Dr. Ehsan Navabi, the director of the IBD Center and the GI Motility Disorders Lab at United Medical Doctors in California, to take a closer look at one of the most disruptive dig...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we speak with Andy, a 40-year-old truck driver from Utah, about his 12-year struggle with urgency and bowel incontinence and the turning point that finally led him to seek help. After years of attempting to mask his symptoms with daily, over-the-counter medication and suffering in quiet isolation, a public accident pushed Andy to have the difficult conversat...

In this insightful episode of Life Without Leaks , we sit down with veteran nurse and caregiver Ruth Naismith to explore the often-overlooked emotional side of incontinence. Drawing from over 35 years of clinical experience - and a deeply personal caregiving journey - Ruth shares candid insights into the stress, stigma and life-changing impact incontinence can have on both patients and those who c...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we're joined by Dr. Maria Roell, internal medicine resident at the Medical University of South Carolina, about bowel urgency and the conditions that commonly cause it. Dr. Roell breaks down the often-confusing differences between IBS and IBD, explains what true medical bowel urgency feels like and outlines when symptoms may signal something more serious...

In this powerful episode of Life Without Leaks , we're joined by Brad, a 44-year-old former Marine and outdoor enthusiast, who opens up about his long and deeply personal journey with bowel and urinary incontinence. What began as rare, unexplained accidents slowly became more frequent and harder to ignore. Brad reveals the turning point that finally pushed him to say something to his doctor a...

In this deeply personal episode of Life Without Leaks , we speak with Olivia about her life-altering battle with severe ulcerative colitis. What began as worsening digestive symptoms in her mid-20s quickly escalated into relentless pain, 30+ bathroom trips a day, extreme blood loss and multiple emergency room visits. After a delayed diagnosis and ineffective treatments, Olivia faced life-threateni...

In this powerful episode of Life Without Leaks , we welcome world-renowned IBD expert Dr. Marla Dubinsky of Mount Sinai to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis treatment.  Dr. Dubinsky shares why early diagnosis and timely use of advanced therapies can dramatically change a patient’s long-term trajectory — and why too many people are still suffering unne...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we're joined by Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, for a deep dive into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. O’Leary breaks down what sets Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis apart from other digestive conditions, explaining how IBD can affect patients at any age, from early childhood to later adulthood, and why diagnos...

In this gripping episode of Life Without Leaks , we speak with John, a law enforcement officer, father of two and competitive strongman, about his harrowing journey to a Crohn’s disease diagnosis. What began as severe abdominal pain during college spiraled into months of weight loss, vomiting, emergency room visits and being repeatedly dismissed as a drug seeker. Despite worsening symptoms - inclu...

In this episode of Life Without Leaks , we sit down with Dr. Maria Roell, an internal medicine resident specializing in gastroenterology, to break down the essentials of inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Roell explains what IBD really is and how it differs from IBS, outlining key warning signs such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and urgency. She also highlights lesser-known symptoms, in...

In this moving patient story, we speak with Gerri, a Crohn's patient, about her journey from debilitating digestive symptoms to complete remission. Gerri shares what it was like to live in New York City while navigating relentless urgency, severe abdominal pain she describes as “hot lava,” and the constant need to locate the nearest restroom. After months of worsening symptoms and a turning p...

Urgency, frequent bathroom trips and unexpected leaks can disrupt daily life, but they’re more treatable than many people realize. Dr. Travis Bullock joins Life Without Leaks to answer questions from his recent webinar, explain the difference between overactive bladder and other forms of incontinence, and discuss new therapies like neuromodulation that can help restore bladder control and quality...

In this episode, Dr. Eric Rovner addresses a common fear that men have about prostate cancer treatment: incontinence. Drawing on his clinical experience, Dr. Rovner explains that treatment does not automatically mean a lifetime of bladder leakage. In fact, only a small percentage of patients experience long-lasting symptoms. He discusses why temporary changes in bladder control can occur, what fac...

With all there is to think about when getting treated for prostate cancer, the idea of incontinence might not be high on your list. But if you're undergoing radiation or surgery, there's a good chance it will be. Incontinence is remarkably common for men following these treatments, but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and return to more normal function. Today's gu...

Caregiving for someone with incontinence can be challenging, demanding and frustrating at times - but it can also be an expression of love and an opportunity to strengthen a bond with someone you care deeply about. Today's guest is Michele Mongillo, who recently authored Caring with Dignity: A Caregiver's Guide to Incontinence . Michele is Senior Clinical Director for First Quality, a le...

When most people think about the symptoms of incontinence, they think about physical things like urgency and leaks. But what's every bit as real - and every bit as troubling - are the mental health symptoms that so many patients live with. Incontinence is significantly associated with depression, anxiety and other mental issues, and addressing them can be a particular challenge. Today's...

One of the things that doesn't get enough attention when it comes to living with incontinence is caregiving. Those who assist their loved ones managing their symptoms - the emotional ones as well as the physical ones - often don't get the support they need, and that can take a tremendous toll on their own wellbeing. Today's guest is Lori Mika, a certified dementia practitioner and a...

Most of us never give a second thought to all the research, technology and testing that go into the products we use every day - even ordinary-seeming ones like protective garments for incontinence.  But behind every successful product there's an enormous amount of ingenuity and persistence, and nobody knows that better than Gary Bauer. He's a patient himself living with overactive bladde...

Despite being incredibly common, Overactive Bladder is something that isn't talked about nearly enough, and that's especially true when it comes to men. Today's guest is Dr. Bradley Gill, chief of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest and Mentor Hospitals and a board-certified urologist, and he's here to help us understand about the unique ways it impacts men's lives and w...