How to Cope with Light Bladder Leakage

If you laugh, cough, and sneeze so hard that tears run down your legs, I have tips for you today, as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars and Poise, on how to cope with light bladder leakage. #PoisewithSAM

Hi, I’m Janet and I am overweight, in my late 30s, and have a child. I have light bladder leakage.

Say, “Hi Janet”!

I’m a normal woman who happens to deal with a normal problem and although this may be a little TMI for some, this is a necessary topic in my circle of friends and readers. I’ve been dealing with this little problem for almost seven years and I’ve learned to cope with it and today I’m going to teach you a little more about light bladder leakage (LBL) and how to cope with this embarrassing problem that people don’t talk about (at least not seriously) often enough. I mean, really, if you’ve had a kid, if you’re overweight, or if you’re over 30 something, chances are you’ve had this happen at least once and it’s likely to happen again.

I talked to you last month about pregnancy and light bladder leakage, but the problem is, this doesn’t go away once the baby is out and your body is back to “normal”. In fact, you may be dealing with a new normal where you hold on a little tighter before you cough or sneeze. You may have adjusted your guffaw laughing to a little snicker when you’re with your girlfriends. You may run to the restroom just a little faster when you feel the urge. You may have even adjusted your exercise routine or stopped altogether because you don’t want to deal with the side effects. You don’t have to change your life, but you may have to change your pants if you don’t at least try some of these tips!

Let’s talk about light bladder leakage first.

Urinary incontinence is an extremely common condition, affecting as many as 45% of women in America.  The risk factors and causes of leakage in women are extremely varied. Take comfort in knowing that this condition is often very treatable.  But, in order to know what the best treatment options are, the possible sources must be determined.

The predisposing risk factors for incontinence are numerous.  Many of these – such as smoking, chronic constipation, obesity, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, poor glycemic control and exposure to dietary irritants such as carbonation, artificial sweeteners, acidic foods and spicy foods – you can control to reduce your current symptoms or future risk.

Source – Poise.com What Causes Light Bladder Leakage?

As you can see, LBL is common, although it appears to be somewhat more common in women with lifestyle choices that can be changed, and it’s totally treatable. There are surgeries and medications that might help with LBL, but in the meantime, I have a few tips for coping with LBL on a daily basis.

1. Realize LBL is normal and treatable

There’s a reason this tip is number one. Before you can confront a problem, you have to acknowledge it and be ready to move on. From the first time that you notice this problem, talk to your doctor to start finding solutions. Keep a journal of your experiences with leakage and take that with you to your appointment. Don’t be embarrassed to bring it up with your friends, family, and doctor so that you can find a solution that works for you.

2. While LBL is normal, you don’t have to live with it

Again, you have a common and normal problem that many women are dealing with, but you don’t have to just put up with it for the rest of your life. There are solutions that work for almost everyone and chances are, you are one who can find a solution that works.

3. Change a few things in your lifestyle and see what happens

I’m a smoker and I drink a lot of caffeine to get me through the day. I also have an overactive bladder and I urinate many, many times per day. I think the normal time span between restroom breaks is about 3-4 hours, but mine is more like less than 1 hour. In fact, there are times when I go to the restroom and by the time I make it back to my desk, I’m already getting the urge again! For me, cutting back on my caffeinated beverages and my smoking makes a difference and some days it’s definitely worth making that change in my lifestyle just so I don’t have to move my desk into the restroom!

4. Try pelvic exercises or floor exercise

Exercise has never been my forté, but if I can reduce a little LBL, I’m all for giving it a try. Do a search online for some exercises for light bladder leakage and you’ll find tons of resources on  how to strengthen those muscles and get control back of your bladder.

5. Be prepared for the leakage

Whether you’re heading to the gym, for a night on the town with your girlfriends, or just to work where you’ll be sitting for the day, you have to be prepared with the right clothing and products to keep you feeling clean and confident. Carry an extra set of panties in your purse or stash a clean outfit in your car just in case, but if those things don’t work for you, make sure you have the right products on hand.

I’ve been trying out the Poise Microliners recently and I’ve been impressed. Let me start here with a little more TMI. I’m a big girl and when I have my period, I wear a big pad. It’s not comfortable, but it’s the only way I’m going to feel confident and clean all day. So, when I first saw the Poise Microliner, I thought for sure I would have to wear at least three to keep myself covered.

Nope! Poise Microliners have Super Absorbent Material (SAM) that is designed to draw in moisture better than a regular pad or liner. My body has put it to the test and my pants are giving them a five star rating. I honestly have never felt more confident to laugh freely, sneeze and cough without clenching, and I’ve even done some running around the house to play Duck, Duck, Goose with my boy without then running to the bathroom to check my underwear.

Curious? You should try them first by requesting a free sample at poise.com.

How do you cope with light bladder leakage?