Urinary (and yes, bowel) leakage isn’t “just part of getting older”—it’s a signal from your core and pelvic floor. In this straight-talk episode, physical therapist Christina Walsh, co-founder of Tighten Your Tinkler, joins me to dismantle the shame around pelvic health and lay out a functional path forward that goes far beyond “just do more Kegels.” 

We cover what’s really driving leaks, pressure, prolapse, urgency, and painful sex in midlife; how breath, posture, fascia, and daily toileting habits influence symptoms; when conservative care is enough—and when devices, pessaries, or surgery may be appropriate. Christina also shares practical first steps you can start today (hello, decompression and diaphragmatic breathing), plus how to talk with your partner without pushing through pain.

What you’ll learn

• Why leaking is common—but not normal—and what it’s trying to tell you
• The limits of isolated Kegels and what a functional approach looks like
• How breathing, posture, sitting, and constipation ramp up pelvic pressure
• Staging prolapse (1–4), what’s realistic to “functionally heal,” and red-flags
• Painful sex in midlife: estrogen, lubrication, tone, and boundaries that help
• Fascia’s surprising role (yes, your bladder “talks” to your neck)

Links & resources

https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/  (listener code Michele for $50 off)

https://www.instagram.com/tighten.your.tinkler/ 

Tighten Your Tinkler free quiz https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tinklerquiz

If this helped, share it with a friend, rate the show, and hop on my weekly newsletter for midlife health, fitness, and no-BS motivation.

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If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

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🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.