Always® Discreet and I want to change the way women think and talk about bladder leaks. | Urinary incontinence in women | Prevent Bladder Leaks
Always® Discreet and I want to change the way women think and talk about bladder leaks in this sponsored post.
I was 24 years old when I gave birth to my first child. I never knew how much my life (or my body) was about to really change.
During pregnancy, I was running in and out of the bathroom like crazy, but bladder control issues continued after birth, too.
I had my daughter at 31 (she is now 7) and my bladder leaks have not improved.
If my bladder is not empty and I laugh, there’s a strong possibility that there will be some leaks. If my bladder is full when I get home from work, you will probably see me running through the house to the bathroom.
It is a common condition, also referred to as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and it could cause a sudden release of urine during the course of everyday life, for example when laughing or sneezing.
A weak bladder occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor are damaged, and this happens during pregnancy and childbirth due to the hormonal changes and extra weight.
At least for me, bladder leakage only happens to me with laughing or waiting too long to go to the bathroom, versus all the time, but it’s still enough for me to need a daily solution.
No one in my family told me to expect this! Not my mom, aunts, or my grandmas.
I used to think that only “old people” experienced bladder leaks. In fact, my mom and I would pick up incontinence pads for my 85-year-old grandma.
I was also shocked to learn that that 1-in-3 women experience bladder leaks…and 1-in-2 African American women experience bladder leaks! That’s half of us!
So why didn’t my family warn me about this? It’s likely because only 1-in-9 African American women choose to use products specifically made for bladder leaks.
I wonder if it’s because we think that …
- This is only happening to me.
- Something is wrong with me.
- This is embarrassing.Maybe if I ignore it, it will go away.
- I can’t tell anyone that I have on wet panties!
As I think about all of the conversations I’ve had with female friends and family members, I can’t think of one time we’ve discussed bladder leaks. Periods? Yes. Other “female” problems? Yes.
There’s really no reason to be embarrassed. It’s a normal experience.
As I think about all of the conversations I’ve had with female friends and family members, I can’t think of one time we’ve discussed bladder leaks. Periods? Yes. Other “female” problems? Yes.
There’s really no reason to be embarrassed. It’s a normal experience.
Best Ways to Manage Bladder Leaks
- Try Kegel exercises.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage diabetes.
- Talk about it with other women.
- Use bladder leak products.
I recommend Always Discreet for bladder leakage protection. Always Discreet wants women to know that bladder leaks are a normal part of life. It’s not something to be embarrassed by or a topic to avoid.
The RapidDry™ technology turns liquid to gel so that it can absorb 4x more than period pads of the same size. More importantly, the pads are 45% thinner than the leading incontinence pad. The thinner size made it so much more comfortable and wearable. I just don’t notice I am wearing a pad.
Always Discreet has feminine, discreet bladder leak protection products that can enable women to live their lives to the fullest and without compromise, and for me, they are a life saver so I strongly recommend them!
I picked up a package of the Always Discreet liners.
They are comfortable and unnoticeable, so I can wear them every day and still feel confident, even if I do have a trickle while I’m laughing at a funny joke or waiting in line at a movie.
I can go out and have fun because I don’t have to worry about feeling wet or being self-conscious about possible odors because the RapidDry™ technology turns liquid to gel to lock away bladder leaks and the OdorLock™ technology neutralizes urine odors instantly.
These liners are a far better option than traditional panty liners because they can absorb up to 2x more than you may need.
Whether they’re in my unmentionables drawer, I’m carrying them in my purse, or have them in the ladies’ bathroom at work, the re-sealable wrapper provides easy, sanitary disposal.
In addition to the liners I picked up, Always Discreet also has pads and underwear depending on whether you need light, moderate, or heavy bladder leak protection.
Bladder leaks affect so many women and can cause them to plan their day around access to bathrooms, stop activities they love, or give up work they need.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Talk about your struggles. Take better care of your health. Wear incontinence products. Talk to your doctor, if you need to.
After giving birth, some women may also experience painful sex (dyspareunia). On average, 60 to 70 percent of women experience six to seven weeks after delivery while 30 percent say they still feel pain during intercourse six months postpartum.
Vaginal delivery causes tearing on the opening of the vagina, which is stitched to facilitate healing, but the wound can leave scar tissue in that area. The scar tissue is usually stiff and less flexible than the muscles of the vaginal opening are. The lack of flexibility can cause painful penetrative sex.
This vaginal opening can be restored through Kegel exercises and dilation therapy using a vaginal dilator, also called a vaginal trainer, under the guidance of a pelvic floor health physical therapist.
Painful sex affects three in four women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This condition can be caused by legitimate health issues, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and vaginismus. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk to your health-care provider if you experience this problem.
Live your life to the fullest and whatever you do – don’t compromise!
Get out there and have some fun!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Always Discreet. The opinions and text are all mine.
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