Id be buying diapers for my kids, wondering if I should be doing the same for me.
Though I joke about peeing when I laugh or cough, its really not funny.
Before kids, I could run and jump without incident.
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Now, after just a minute on the treadmill, a puddle of pee soaks through my track pants.
I hated having to craft a workout schedule around my bladder.
In hindsight, I wished I had asked my doctor more about what changes to expect after having kids.
The absence of information and discussion on this topic deepened the shame I was feeling.
Was I the only thirty-something woman who kept changes of underwear in her bag at all times?
So, why aren’t we talking about it?
Its certainly not something I was discussing with my friends.
My doctor never even asked me about incontinence at my postpartum check-ups.
I didnt have infections or pain or abnormal bleeding.
I just had bursts of urine.
This spring, I hit my limit.
So I didat the risk of leaking urine while running around at the park.
I might be able to live it down, but would he?
I knew I needed to make a change if I wanted to keep up with my active kids.
So I secured a new primary care physician and gynecologist.
It had been seven years since I had last given birth, andKegel exerciseswere not getting the job done.
My gynecologist, who has a specialty in urology, suggested that I trybladder supports.
The insert doesnt absorb any urine and must be removed after 12 hours.
The smallest size didnt do much for me.
I coughed or sneezed and leaked, albeit not as much as before.
So I moved on to the next size up, which seemed to do the trick.
I went all in on these inserts.
And at a dollar a piece, it was quite an investment.
But there are a few downsides, like the fact that I can’t use them during my period.
So the search for relief continues.
to hopefully get relief from bladder leaks year-round.
And I’m ready to get over this embarrassment and talk about my leaky bladder.
Its amazing how little women talk about this," Dr. Kielb says.
