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1 in 4 Women Experience Bladder Leaks — Here’s Everything You Need to Know

This article was sponsored by Poise®.

While it may seem like you’re the only one dealing with bladder leaks, millions of women of all ages are contending with them, too. The good news is, you don’t have to compromise comfort or self-confidence to take control — and Poise® pads and liners, which are available at Walmart, can help you live without limitations. Here’s what you need to know.

What are bladder leaks?

Bladder leaks, which are also called urinary incontinence, occur when there’s a loss of control of the bladder. This can be a pop of pee if you laugh, sneeze, or cough, or it could be as severe as having an accident because you’re not able to make it to a bathroom quick enough when you feel an urge to urinate. Some women also experience what’s called “overflow incontinence” when the bladder doesn’t fully empty, and others may have “functional incontinence,” where another health condition makes it hard to get to the bathroom in time.

Bladder leaks are a much more common condition than you think. In fact, somewhere between one-quarter to one-third of American women experience them, and researchers think that number could potentially be even higher. In other words, you’re definitely not alone!

What causes them?

There isn’t a singular reason why you might be experiencing a leaky bladder. Combined with factors like age, weight, and genetics, the most common causes of chronic incontinence are pregnancy and childbirth, the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles as you age, menopause, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, a stroke, or Parkinson’s disease.

In addition, your bladder leaks might temporarily get worse in certain situations, like after you’ve had larger amounts of alcohol or caffeine or if you’re taking particular heart or blood pressure medications. (If you think medication might be the issue, you should absolutely talk to your doctor about if any prescriptions you’re on could be giving you incontinence trouble!) 

What other side effects could you experience from bladder leaks?

In addition to feelings of discomfort, many women may experience skin rashes from where their skin is constantly wet, as well as urinary tract infections from constant leaks. However, the right products, like Poise® which can keep you 10x drier*, can really make a huge difference in combating these side effects.

What do treatment options look like?

While bladder leaks aren’t necessarily “curable,” there are ways to mitigate them so that they’re less intrusive, empowering you to go on living your life. One of the best first steps you can take is to find a product you trust to keep you dry, clean, and comfortable throughout the day. Poise® pads and liners are a perfect fit for this. They offer instant absorption for ultimate dryness and odor control, invisible protection, and adaptive comfort that fits your body whether you are at work, the gym or running errands. Talk about products that pack a punch! They’re also easy to find: grab them on your next trip to Walmart or through the store’s convenient pickup and delivery services. 

Poise® Pads and Liners

  • Description
  • Pros
  • Instant absorption for dryness and odor control
  • Invisible protection
  • Adaptive comfort to fit to your body

In addition, you can look into regularly doing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles around your bladder over time — but they have to be done consistently! (To learn more about the right exercises for you, set up an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist.) Depending on the situation, doctors also can prescribe medication that can lessen the urge to go and help regulate the bladder.

Above all, when it comes to a leaky bladder, the most important takeaway is to focus on finding ways to feel comfortable and confident. Incontinence is a medical condition that millions of people handle, and there are plenty of options out there that can fit your lifestyle and keep you protected, starting with the right pad or liner. You deserve to feel your best all day, every day!

*for bladder leaks vs. leading period pad

This article was sponsored by Poise®.

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