I experience bladder leaks when I exercise, laugh, and sneeze. It’s embarrassing and I use to feel deep shame when I thought about other people knowing this.
For many years I did not tell a soul about my bladder leakage. I hid my pads, and secretly disposed of them. I made excuses for why I couldn’t do certain things like exercising in the afternoon or jumping on the tramp. I drank my smoothie and tea after I had arrived at work so that my bladder was empty as I travelled to work. I was negatively impacted but holding all this all inside.
But then I started sharing. First with my hubby, and then with my family and close friends. The best part was, they also started sharing more with me. So we are closer. And I love that! 🥰
I can now honestly tell you from experience that keeping it a secret is far more stressful than just getting it out in the open. If you have someone close to you and are scared to tell them about your bladder leaks, I strongly encourage you to tell them today!
Why you ask? Here are three key reasons:
- I know it’s a cliché but talking about our feelings can really help. Yes, it’s true – and backed up by extensive research too. Talking through your experiences and putting your feelings into words has a positive impact on both your brain and your body.
Because when you keep your feelings bottled up, this can then cause issues to escalate in other areas, for example, in your relationship.
Furthermore, holding in the negative thoughts, anxiety and emotions can make you more susceptible to getting sick or feeling out of sorts.
On top of that – holding in negative thoughts (especially ones targeted at yourself) can take precious mind space away from your creative positive thoughts and energy.
Be mindful of your internal negative thoughts. And to stop them before they take hold.
- It’s not just about helping you - it’s about helping the millions of other people who suffer from incontinence and are too ashamed to tell a soul. Sharing what you are dealing with in daily life can help you and others with the same struggles to realise that you are not alone and what may feel overwhelming is pretty standard for many people. Remember one in three women and one in ten men experience incontinence. We are not alone. In fact – it’s really quite common!
- Sharing with your partner, a trusted friend, a continence nurse, or a physio - can help you map out an improvement plan. This could present itself in many ways. It may be your doctor suggesting medical options that will work, or it could be a friend giving you great tips on how to remember your pelvic floor exercises, or it may just be having your partner more understanding about why you want to do physical activities with the family first thing in the morning before you have too much liquid in your bladder.
I admit - it can feel embarrassing and uncomfortable the first few times you share, but the more times you open up, the easier it will become. Try it today!
You can do it! - share a funny, embarrassing or awkward bladder leakage story with your friend, partner or colleague today!
Should you need some protection down-below and you want a change from throwing away expensive single-use sanitary pads, then try Vivo Bodywear! Hands down - the best bladder control underwear you will find! Just WEAR, WASH, REPEAT. It's easy.