Incontinence impacts nearly 10% of the population. In Canada, that’s 3.3 million people. For those over 40 with a uterus, that number rises to 33%. (Canadian Continence Foundation) The numbers are similar in the United States, with 7% of the population reporting urinary incontinence, or 25 million people. (John Hopkins Medicine)
Given the heavy stigma around this issue, the actual number is likely even higher. We’re here to shine a light on urinary incontinence and stress that it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Too often for so many, shame gets in the way from getting the support they need. In fact, only about 26% of those experiencing bladder leaks discuss it with their healthcare providers. How many of us simply shrug off a light bladder leak after a sneeze?
We’re so grateful to share a few stories from people who have been happy to open up about bladder incontinence to spark conversation and greater understanding into this issue. By sharing these stories, we aim to spark conversation and foster a deeper understanding of this important issue.
Rachael, 31, Weight Lifter
As long as I could remember, I always thought that surprise “leaks” from laughing, sneezing, or working out was normal, because it happens to me often!
I love to exercise and sometimes it comes with leaks. I especially notice during my cycle where I do not feel I have the same capability of holding those leaks compared to other times during the month.
Though having pelvic floor dysfunction is not normal, the experience seems to be universal among many! If you ask any of my friends or family they would tell you I am not afraid to let people know when I have leaked. I talk about it because the stigma of having ‘leaked’ should not be a stigma at all. If anything I wish it was talked about more, because I bet I would have seen a pelvic floor physiotherapist sooner to help!
I am in my early 30s, with no children, and every time I mention this to someone with kids they love to say just wait till you have babies! In which I respond, we should be advocating for people to seek help from pelvic floor specialists so that this can be better managed.
I feel like only in the last handful of years this education is finally on the healthcare radar. Women have been left behind in our healthcare research and I am so happy to see that more and more advocacy is showing up! Thank god joni is offering an option that is trying to destigmatize leakage! I love that I can feel secure on those days I may not be able to control it.
I am still working on addressing my pelvic floor dysfunction, but having joni as my backup gives me that bit more confidence that I need!
Michele, 70, Retiree
I’m not sure I can pinpoint when it started exactly but what I can tell you is that over time it progressed.
In the beginning it was a just a matter of trying to get to the washroom without peeing yourself. And sneezing didn’t help either. You make sure know where the washrooms are when in public and you squeeze your legs together and try to subside the need long enough to get to a washroom. It can sometimes catch you by surprise. There are times when you may have gone to the washroom and five minutes later you need to go again.
At the beginning it wasn’t too bad cause all I had to do was maybe change my underwear or if I was out, it meant trying to dry them with toilet paper and then wrapping them in toilet paper so that your pants didn’t get wet. So, you line your panties with tissues just in case.
You don’t wear a skirt as you might find it will dribble down your legs. Pants are less conspicuous. So, at the age of 67 I started to use panty liners. It was to be my answer to not having to change my clothing or underwear.
As time went on, I realized that I was developing a sensitivity to the liners. I was having vaginal itching that became extremely uncomfortable. Vaginal ointments or creams did nothing to ease the uncomfortableness until my doctor mentioned that it was my liner. Fast forward to changing brands on several occasions it was recommended that I try a natural product.
I was astounded to see that most liners on the market are not natural products. The selection is limited and when you are searching you have the traditional standard companies pop up; not what I wanted. That’s when I found joni. I found it, to my relief, to be just what I needed.
Incontinence can affect your life in many ways. It can deter you from socializing, running errands, it can cause embarrassment and so forth. People are becoming more open about it as the challenge is no longer restricted to seniors. It can happen to anyone at any age.
There are those that don’t want to admit to the problem: they feel embarrassed or feel that they are less of a person. The thought of wearing a line or panty makes them feel like they are no longer in control of their lives. or feel like it’s the end of the world. They then restrict their activities and sometimes become housebound.
My attitude towards it was it sucked to say the least. However, I’ve learned to live with it and make sure that I am protected so accidents are not detrimental. I go on with my life. We didn’t stop living because we had menstruation, we adapted: so we adapt to this, and life goes on.
Trish, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
I became smitten with pelvic health when I saw how much a person’s quality of life could improve when their pelvic health improves. Couple that with the increasing body of evidence and support for what we do; it’s a very exciting time to be working in pelvic health.
Though I may be a pelvic health physiotherapist, my experience as a general orthopedic physiotherapist has taught me about the interconnectedness of the body; rarely do I only treat within the pelvis. When working with my clients I take a step back and look at the whole person to determine all the possible contributing factors.
Don’t assume symptoms are something you have to put up with just because you’ve had surgery, delivered a baby, have gone through menopause, etc; see a pelvic health physio for advice!
Share Your Story
Do you have a personal bladder leak story?
What we hope for is that after hearing these stories above that if you are experiencing urinary incontinence, you’re really not alone and support is available.
Tell your healthcare provider, seek support from a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and use products that can support you. joni incontinence pads support light bladder leaks with organic materials that breathe and inhibit odours, naturally.
If you’re ready, share your story with us or a friend. By bringing awareness to this common condition, you can make a big difference.