"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
JESSICA SEINFELD'S NEW Cookbook
Satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way with this collection of delicious dessert recipes that are sure to delight
SWEET TREATS
Deliciously easy indulgences, guaranteed to please
8 BOOKS WE'RE LOVING NOW
BOOK REVIEW
HELP FOR HOLIDAY HEALTH BOTHERS
Outsmart'tis-the-season symptoms with these easy tips
PRO TRICKS FOR Holiday Nails That Shine
3 DIY tips to help your manicure last all season
SIMPLE PET SOLUTIONS
Some aquarium critters like betta fish can benefit from a bit of enrichment to help them thrive.
FA-LA-LA-LA...LOOK AT THESE Holiday Savings!
Santa would be the first to say that making holiday memories shouldn't break the bank. We asked pros to reveal simple ways to save on holiday expenses—and they delivered!
SIMPLE LIFE SOLUTIONS
162% BOOST IN SUBJECTS' MOOD AFTER TAKING A 12-MINUTE WALK
6 POWER POSES TO BOOST CONFIDENCE
Top experts share how your body language can help you foster connections, lift your spirits, pinpoint deception-and much more!
FAITH, LAUGHTER & Believing In Love
with country music superstar, actress and icon REBA MCENTIRE