Stigma is defined as the disapproval of or discrimination against someone based on something about them. Do you ever feel stigmatized because of your unruly bladder? Do you maybe even stigmatize yourself? The stigma surrounding bladder leaks started a long time ago when our parents potty trained us. Our parents taught us that peeing on yourself was bad so since then, we’ve tried to avoid it like the plague. But life happens. Childbirth happens. Injuries happen and so…leaks may happen too. And they happen to the best of us. It can be difficult to think beyond a stigmatized condition, urinary incontinence being one. So how can we empower ourselves and…
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What The Mesh: Contemplating Bladder Sling Surgery
Let’s talk about sling. No, I’m not talking about Sling TV or a sling shot. I’m talking about bladder sling surgery. When the occasional spritz and drip has become too much to handle, sometimes doctors will suggest bladder sling surgery. But when is too much? And hasn’t there been a lot of controversy about this kind of surgery? I won’t leave you slinging (hanging, get it?), so keep reading to learn more. (A quick note before we dive in: the FDA banned the use of transvaginal mesh for repairing pelvic prolapse as of April 16, 2019. However, bladder sling surgery is a bit different and is the main focus of…
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Down In The Dumps: Depression & Incontinence
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. ______________ Depression & Incontinence Are Linked You know the feeling – you’re having an off day, you can’t get motivated, you’re feeling a bit down. We’ve all been there. But then imagine those feelings multiplied by 1,000. And imagine not being able to turn those feelings around. Depression is a real thing. It…
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Stress Incontinence: Everything You Need To Know
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…
