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Light bladder leakage is nothing to sneeze at

Do you sometimes have to stop walking and cross your legs whenever you feel a sneeze coming on? You know…because if you didn’t clamp up, you would leak? Are you afraid of yelling, laughing too hard, or running or jumping because you never know when a leak might happen? Sure it is small, but it is still a leak. Unfortunately, this is all too common, and often ignored. 

Incontinence in younger women is common, although not talked about much. Many younger women experience light bladder leakage or light incontinence sometimes referred to as light bladder leakage (LBL). It may be a result of nerve damage, overactive bladder muscles, weakened muscles, but in many cases it is one of the unpleasant side effects of child bearing. Pregnancy and childbirth can contribute to incontinence in women by stretching muscles, and adding pressure to the pelvic floor. Without treatment, this can lead to small, involuntary urine leaks at inopportune times.

With limited conversation and information, many women just “deal” with LBL, and hope for the best. However, left untreated, it is not only embarrassing and frustrating, but it can also worsen. Ignoring problems never makes them go away.

What can be done?

Treatment of urinary incontinence in younger women is not as hard, scary, or expensive as one may think. Often younger women do not seek help because it is firstly embarrassing to talk about, and secondly because they are afraid of cost-prohibitive treatment options. However, there are many behavioral or nonpharmacologic treatments that are essentially free, such as bladder training and Kegel exercises.

If symptoms are more severe or the cause requires it, medication, biofeedback, neuromodulation, surgery, catheterization, or a combination of these therapies are also available. The best way to find out what treatment is needed is to see a professional. They can diagnose the problem and help provide the treatment that is best for you.

Managing the symptoms is also important. Wearing products designed to handle leaks (not period products, rather products specifically made for incontinence), can help with the day-to-day of having light bladder leaks.

Many younger women ignore this option because they don’t want to wear granny pants, or adult diapers, bulky pads, or generic products. Fortunately, there is a solution for younger women with light bladder leakage (LBL).  They're called Fannypants and they're underwear designed for women who experience LBL.  They provide a waterproof gusset with pockets to hold a super absorbent smartwearPad. With all the features designed specifically for women with LBL, this product offers the benefit of feeling normal, of maintaining dignity, and of course the protection needed for those inopportune moments.

Active wear every woman can trust and rely.

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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