Stress Urinary Incontinence. There, I said it. SUI is not something to be ashamed of having and should definitely not be left to “fix” itself, but many women are doing just that. Why, you may wonder? SUI is one of those conditions that affect that more personal aspect of a female’s body, her bladder and discussing it is not easy for everyone. And that’s okay. No one is required to shout from the roof tops that they have bladder leakage when they laugh, but they should not have to whisper about it behind closed doors either. If I have to chance seeing someone’s naked booty when I scroll through Twitter (I am talking about you Mrs. Kardashian West) then why can’t we have an adult conversation about something that affects 1 in 4 Canadian women!
Poise Impressa is making it easier for us to have that conversation and reduce the shame and embarrassment many ladies feel. I recently had the chance to talk about SUI with Dr. Jennifer Berman, a leading expert on women’s sexual health issues and co-host of the TV show The Doctors. Dr. Berman, who has SUI, offers up some interesting statics and information to educate and enlighten us about Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Q. Dr. Berman, what exactly is SUI and who does it affect?
A. SUI, or Stress Urinary Incontinence is defined as accidental leakage of urine during physical activities like sneezing, laughing, coughing and exercise. Men can suffer from UI, but it is primarily the female population that is affected. It typically affects women in the childbearing years and older.
Q. What are the causes of SUI?
A. The primary causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence are events that directly damage the pelvic floor muscles such as Pregnancy and Childbirth, pelvic and abdominal surgery and radiation therapy.
Q. Are there any other factors that can increase the likelihood of one developing SUI?
A. There are several including genetics, gender, lifestyle habits like smoking (which can lead to excessive coughing), age and even if you are prone to urinary tract infections.
Q. Aside from bladder leakage, what else are women who suffer from SUI expected to feel? Is there any pain involved?
A. While SUI is not normally associated with any physical pain, it can cause a lot of stress and embarrassment. Women are often reluctant to discuss this with their friends or doctors, so they suffer in silence. This can lead to psychological distress, social isolation and loneliness. Many women feel they are trapped and thus lose their freedom to do things like exercise, wear the clothes they prefer (many will wear dark colours to hide any potential leaks) and consume liquids without limitations.
Q. Can you tell us about Poise Impressa Bladder Supports?
A. Poise Impressa Bladder Supports are a non-absorbent, removable product that helps stop bladder leaks before they happen! Impressa Bladder Supports are inserted into the vagina like a tampon to gently lift and give support to the urethra. This added support to the urethra helps prevent urine from leaking. They are made from flexible, medical-grade silicone, surrounded with a soft, non-absorbent polypropylene covering to help make insertion and removal easy. Each bladder support comes in a smooth plastic applicator and has a polyester and rayon string.
Q. How will I know what size of Impressa Bladder Support to choose from? How long can they be used?
A. The first time purchasing Impressa Bladder Supports you will get the Sizing Kit and follow the directions to find your size. Once you find the right size for you, you can use Impressa to help stop your leaks for up to eight hours every day. There is a handy guide here that shows you how to insert your bladder support.
Q. What makes Poise Impressa Bladder Supports better than other bladder support products on the market?
A. The Impressa Bladder Supports are the first over the counter, internal method to be offered. You can get it without a prescription from your doctor. This is important in helping to decrease a woman’s feeling of embarrassment. Impressa is also a non-surgical method that is disposable! The convenience and ease of use is wonderful! The bladder support is comfortable to wear and will give women the freedom to do whatever they choose. You will no longer be held back from participating in life due to your SUI when you use Impressa Bladder Supports.
So, there you have it! SUI does not have to be a life sentence of hiding in your house, afraid to go out without dark clothing on, worrying about leaks. Poise Impressa Bladder Supports are a safe, affordable way to not let Stress Urinary Incontinence take over your life.
For more information on SUI and Poise Impressa Bladder Supports as well as some helpful videos visit the Poise site. You can also purchase them directly online.
Have you been affected by SUI or know of someone who has?
FT&PD
Suz
Disclosure: While I was compensated for this post, all opinions expressed are my own.
Fortunately it hasn’t yet, despite having given birth to 7 children but no doubt it will come later. 🙁
I haven’t had any problems yet but I will not be surprised if and when it happens. Good info to keep on hand.
Wow, I didn’t realize there was a product on the market like this. Thanks so much for sharing, I am sure many women will benefit from it.
This isn’t one of my issues but I know a lot of women affected by it. Will send this to them!
Thanks for this story! I have been living with much worse due to an fall…… one day I will blog about it.
I have had any issues with SUI but I have family who has had this. Really good information here. This is such a good way to understand this disorder. Thanks!
It’s so great that this kind of thing is out there to help women now. I’m sure it’s going to make a heck of a difference!
I am affected by this.
3 or 2 years ago I was wearing Poise everyday, I couldn’t stop dribbling and everytime I moved or sneezed and coughed, I would pee a little, I went into the dr’s and he had me go to the hospital for a scan, that was painful and embarrassing, and after all of that suffering peeing my pants and what not, I was told I had an infection, after taking some meds. I haven’t wore any Poise since, but I was happy with the quality of them and if anything was to happen again I would definitely buy them again!!!
SUI was always a fear of mine post pregnancy. The thought of having to wear pads all the time and worry about smelling like urine bothered me! I love that Poise has come up with a new way to protect you against SUI without the pad!
happy to see new products out there to help women with an issue that is rarely talked about.
I agree with Katie. Good to see many new products from many companies to help women with this rarely talked about issue.
Thankfully I have not had to deal with this however I know many women who have and will be passing along this post to them. I love that we are starting to talk about these issues, it is opening the table for others to feel more comfortable to reach out when they have questions.
Poise Impressa supports have made a huge difference in my life. I have suffered with SUI ever since the birth of my second son and it has taken over my life and ruined my confidence. This helped me feel confident for the first time in a long time.
I am very fortunate and have not experienced this. It’s great to know there are products out there to help those that do
I’m affected sometimes. It’s a pain!
Such an important issue, especially after pregnancy!
I have not experienced this, however I know many women have this problem. It is good to know that there are products out there to help them.
I have used them on occasion and they are comfy!