This Position Statement was developed by a joint task force between the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU).
AUGS-SUFU Position Statement on Mesh Midurethral Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Growing up with spina bifida meant Bella Duarte-Crespo faced challenges most children never have to think about, including managing bladder and bowel incontinence at school. When she and her mother couldn’t find a product that met her needs, they decided to create one themselves.
In this inspiring episode, Bella shares how a personal struggle became the foundation for a fast-growing business, a passion for design and a lifelong commitment to disability advocacy. Along the way, she discusses living with spina bifida, overcoming embarrassment, building confidence and why being prepared has become her key to living life without leaks.
Whether you’re living with incontinence, caring for someone who is, or simply looking for a story of resilience and determination, Bella’s journey is sure to inspire.
When it comes to cancer awareness, conditions such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer often receive the most attention. Yet cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive system—collectively known as urological or genitourinary cancers—affect hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.
Most incontinence products on the market were made for Light Bladder Leakage (LBL), such as the occasional drip or the small dribble triggered by a sneeze or laugh. For millions of people, that’s not the full story. Heavy Bladder Leaks (HBL) involve larger volumes and/or multiple full releases throughout the day or night. Store-brand products, even those labeled “maximum” or “overnight”, aren’t designed to handle that level of need.
If products keep failing, it can start to feel personal. But when a product was never built for your reality in the first place, that’s not a personal failure. It’s a product gap.
Understanding the difference between LBL and HBL is the first step toward finding trusted protection that actually works.
Growing up with spina bifida meant Bella Duarte-Crespo faced challenges most children never have to think about, including managing bladder and bowel incontinence at school. When she and her mother couldn’t find a product that met her needs, they decided to create one themselves.
In this inspiring episode, Bella shares how a personal struggle became the foundation for a fast-growing business, a passion for design and a lifelong commitment to disability advocacy. Along the way, she discusses living with spina bifida, overcoming embarrassment, building confidence and why being prepared has become her key to living life without leaks.
Whether you’re living with incontinence, caring for someone who is, or simply looking for a story of resilience and determination, Bella’s journey is sure to inspire.
