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| Photo by Photoctor. |
As a woman in midlife, sometimes my body doesn't work perfectly. Whether it's getting my first pair of bifocals at 48 or feeling a little arthritis in my knees at 50, I get reminders now and then that all my body parts aren't working as designed.
Incontinence is one of those "not working properly" problems, but it's not just an issue for older adults. People from throughout the life span can have trouble making it to the bathroom on time. People with incontinence can't just stay home so that they are always feet away from a bathroom.
The midlife women I know best are very busy with kids, work, exercise and community service. Sometimes my gal pals and I joke around about high-risk behavior we engage in that might contribute to incontinence such as weight lifting, doing jumping jacks, laughing, sneezing, coughing or (on rare occasion) yelling at our kids.
The above list are all examples of stress incontinence. Other causes are classified as urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence.
As citizens of the 21st century, we are fortunate to have new developments in incontinence products. Depend released products with new Lycra FIT-FLEX™ protection that makes disposable underwear even more effective.
Watch this short video for details on the fit and comfort of this product.
Visit www.depend.com
The Depend website is filled with facts and testimonials about how people are staying active with the help of Depend disposable underwear and shields. For example, I applaud actress Starkeisha (featured in the video below) for finding a way to manage her incontinence problems so that she can participate in a number of activities that she thought were off limits for her.
Visit this site to see more videos feature people who live active lives
while wearing Depend underwear.
while wearing Depend underwear.
If you or someone in your household has an incontinence problem that's affecting their activity level or confidence, why not try wearing some protection?
Click HERE to request a free sample of one of the following products:
* Depend® for Women Underwear with FIT-FLEX™ Protection
* Depend® Guards and Shields for Men
I know this is a sponsored post, and I appreciate the intent is to offer options to the large population of women who experience incontinence daily. But I wanted to balance the idea of embracing this as an inevitable part of aging or as "a part of me" as Starkeisha noted above. There are other options than simply managing incontinence by wearing pads. You can treat it, you can have power over it. I am a physical therapist that treats this issue in women across the lifespan, with a special focus on those that want to return to leak free fitness. There are physical therapists across both the US and Canada that treat this issue. You can find a women's health physical therapy provider near you through these websites: in the US: http://www.womenshealthapta.org/pt-locator/
ReplyDeletein Canada: http://www.physiotherapy.ca/getmedia/96feb1d5-35fe-4595-8bea-a0829a0457d0/WHD-Directory-by-Province.pdf.aspx
For those of you who have tried Kegels and have only been frustrated with how to do them or have not had a change in your incontinence. Please understand that I am not suggesting kegels as you only conservative approach to treatment. Women's Health Physical Therapists have many more tools in their tool bags to help. Research in the last 5-10 years have helped us understand that strengthening the pelvic floor (such as with kegels) doesn't really mimic how the continence system works. It is the coordination of a team of muscles, not just the pelvic floor, that help us stay dry. It is the same system that helps us with a strong sturdy center (the core). Learning to balance those muscles and coordinate their teamwork is a new approach that moves us beyond Kegels and pads.
In addition, I have blogs and videos on my website that can give you additional information and hope would act as a gateway to more than living with this issue! Blogs: https://www.juliewiebept.com/category/pelvic-floor/ . Videos:https://www.juliewiebept.com/category/video/ .
You have options ladies, please consider treatment and conquering this vs just managing it with pads. Julie Wiebe, PT www.juliewiebept.com
Thank you for offering your expertise on the subject.
DeleteI suffered from incontinence for many many years, and no amount of "therapy" helped me at all. It was a spinal issue. So while your information is good for some, the one "therapy fits all" is an inaccurate statement. Some of us need options, after exhausting all avenues Julie.
DeleteKaren, this was a very informative post. I am so glad there are options out there for us leakers. I am thankful every day that I am not at the "depend" stage of life, but happy to know there are things like this to help people maintain their quality of life without being housebound due to leakage. xo
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