Do you know any moms who jump on their kids’ trampoline? I don’t. Most of us avoid it like the plague. If sneezing, coughing, laughing, or jumping brings on unexpected leaks, you’re in the right place. We’ve got everything you need to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for stress incontinence. What Is Stress Incontinence, You Say? If you’re wondering, “what is stress incontinence?” then you’re in the right place. Stress incontinence is one of several types of incontinence. It’s the kind where a little bit of pressure on the bladder from laughing or jumping on a trampoline can cause an unexpected spritz. It’s like a random person who…
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Spilling The Tea on Staying Social With Leaks
Isn’t it amazing how 25 to 45 percent of us women deal with bladder leaks but somehow we still feel alone? It’s because leaks are still considered a taboo topic that warrant side eyes, raised brows, and whispers. So we don’t tell anybody. We don’t tell our doctors, our family, or our friends, and we live in silence. And as a result, we stop doing the things that we enjoy. But do we really have to? Coping Strategies for Staying Social Your social life shouldn’t come to a stop because of a little spritz every now and again. But we know that’s way easier said than done. Let’s keep you…
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Surviving Seasonal Allergies: As Carefree As A Zyrtec Commercial
We can all appreciate that spring is on the way, especially if you’ve experienced a bitter, cold winter or more rain than you ever thought could fall from the sky. But, warmer temperatures and blossoming flowers brings with them a few friends. Dare I say, pollen? Dust mites, is that you? In all seriousness, seasonal allergies are a real bother, especially if you feel like you have to cross your legs every time you sneeze to keep the drips and dribbles in instead of running down your leg (ugh, incontinence). Fortunately, there are a few ways to control leaks so that having seasonal allergies is as carefree as a Zyrtec…
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The Doctor Is Ready To See You Now
Here at Lily Bird we like to bring in the heavy hitters so you all get expertise and advice from the best of the best. That’s because telling your bladder who’s boss is better as a team sport. This week’s article is from our friends at the National Center for Continence. Thanks to Sarah for the collaboration. ______________ Talking about incontinence is hard. Like, really hard. We understand that it can be embarrassing to bring up. But if there’s anyone who understands, it’s your doctor. She has likely counseled many women before you and knows the toll unexpected leaks can take. So it’s time to put your fears aside and…
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Strong Armstrong: When Your Pelvic Floor Goes Hypertonic
Around here we talk a lot about pelvic floors being loosey goosey. So would you believe me if I told you that your pelvic floor can become too tight? Turns out, it’s pretty darn possible. You might hear it called pelvic floor hypertonia or a hypertonic pelvic floor. I know we’re always told to practice our Kegels so we can snapback, but sometimes the desired snapback is actually a clap back. When The Snapback Goes Wrong If you deal with the occasional spritz, you’ve probably been told or read somewhere that you should try Kegels. Next thing you know you’re doing Kegels everywhere. You’re secretly squeezing your pelvic floor muscles…
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Diabetes & Leaks: Connecting Sugar And Spritz
Some health issues seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. But a lot less delicious, of course. And bladder leaks are no different. If you need to know where the bathroom is everywhere you go or are you barely making it to the bathroom once you get the urge and you also have diabetes, you’re not alone. There is a connection between diabetes and incontinence. While the exact link between the two is unknown, I’ll shed some light on some possible reasons why leakage is more common for diabetics. What is Diabetes? Did you know that there are several types of diabetes? When most people talk about diabetes,…
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An Unlikely Audience: Our Littles
Here at Lily Bird, we feature personal stories written by smarty pants women from our community. That’s because telling your bladder who’s boss is better as a team sport. These women get you. They’re in your corner. And they’re here to remind you that your body isn’t broken. Hey, bodies age, bladders leak, and movie sequels bomb. Right? This week Lindsay’s here to combat the stigma around leaks by talking to an unlikely audience…our kids. Take it away, Lindsay. _____________ “Mom, why do you cross your legs every time you sneeze?” my 5-year-old daughter asked innocently. Is it that obvious?, I wondered silently to myself. My daughter doesn’t miss a…
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Anxiety and Leaks: Keep Calm and Carry-On
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “I was so scared I almost peed my pants” or the infamous, “that scared the poop (you know the other word) out of me!” Turns out, the sayings are quite literal. There is an interesting relationship between anxiety and leaks. Not only does anxiety turn on your sprinkler systems, but leaks can amp up your anxiety and cause you to leak MORE. Talk about a double whammy. So at this point, you’re probably wondering why being anxious or stressed gives you the urge to go. Relax your pelvic floor as I uncover what leaks and anxiety have to do with each other. We’re Scared…
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Pour A Little Sugar On
The holidays are here. Welcome to the season of awkward family photos and sugar filled delights like cranberry sauce and fudge. While those sugary snacks sure are delicious, sugar and other sweeteners can irritate your bladder and lead to leaks. We’ve got the scoop on all things sweet and leaky. It’s All The Same To Your Bladder Going down the aisles at your grocery store, you’ll likely see a lot of different kinds of sweeteners. From “all natural” or “replacement” sugars to the kind of artificial sweeteners that have been around for decades. As far as your bladder is concerned, there’s no difference between these sweeteners. Some studies even show…
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Backed Up & Bothered: Constipation & Leaks
If you’re reading this, then chances are you’ve experienced what it feels like to be backed up. The abdominal discomfort, physiological distress, and the urge to let go of what’s been holding you back. Yes, that’s constipation for you. However, that’s not all it brings with it. Have you ever noticed that leaks are more common when you’re stopped up? Or that it’s more difficult to poop when you’re on incontinence drugs? Let’s get down to how and why constipation and bladder leaks are connected. When you know better, you do-do better. Too soon? Clogged Pipes: What’s Up With Constipation? The official definition of constipation is having fewer than three…
