"The first time I leaked while belly laughing, I was flabbergasted. I thought it was a weird onetime moment-until it happened a few weeks later when I coughed. I was embarrassed that this was happening, and also sad to be experiencing what I assumed was a normal part of aging, so I didn't dare mention a word to anyone, even my doctor.
"Living with little leaks meant I had to be careful if I laughed too hard, coughed or sneezed, so whenever I found myself in those instances, I squeezed my legs together while trying to also clench my abdominal muscles-almost like doing a Kegel exercise-hoping to prevent a bigger leak. Sometimes that worked, and other times it wouldn't.
Suffering in silence
"I became so self-conscious about my bladder leakage that I secretly bought adult undergarments. Ashamed, I tried to hide what felt like diapers from my family. I found myself trying hard to never laugh out loud-especially when I was in public.
"This all left me feeling alone and isolated. I was too embarrassed to ask family or friends if they ever experienced little leaks. I didn't talk to my physician because I assumed she was going to tell me what I already knew: to wear adult underwear or try medications, which I wasn't interested in pursuing.
"As a mom of three boys, I worried about having an accident and having to explain. I didn't want my kids to worry that their mother was falling apart or ill.
Bu hikaye First for Women dergisinin September 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye First for Women dergisinin September 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?
Spending more to save more—is it worth it? How to know if a deal is too good to be true
I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER
As the mother and caretaker of a 24-year-old son with autism, Anne Couldridge feels a tug on her heart as she watches her friends' adult kids fly the nest to pursue their dreams. But Anne's unique life has taught her there are so many beautiful moments worth celebrating
CHARM with chalk paint!
This trendy paint technique adds style and function to your home-for pennies!
3 TRUE & UPLIFTING TALES
\"I was having a particularly hard day.
FOUND: What It Really Means to Have Dense Breasts
A new FDA rule says women must be told if their breasts are considered dense a factor that raises breast cancer risk. What you need to know
Kerry Mellin
Home: Hidden Hills, CA/Age: 66 Occupation: Founder of EaZyHold
PROVEN WAYS TO LIVE LONGER & HEALTHIER
Feel your absolute best for years to come with these simple strategies
RESET YOUR BRAIN & BODY IN 30 Days Flat!
Personalized, sustainable and virtually free. Changes to the popular Whole30 protocol make it easier than ever to lose weight and get healthy for life!
10 BRILLIANT USES FOR STALE BEER
Clever ways the beverage can save the day
SELF-CARE, SOUL FOOD & Bouncing Back with Hallmark actress, author and TV host ALISON SWEENEY
Beloved for her breakout role as Sami Brady on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, Alison Sweeney became so popular at just age 16 that she brought home four Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Fan-Voted Daytime Emmy.