Don't Let Leaks Rain on Your Summer Parade

Summer is finally on its way after a long winter. The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining longer, and bathing suit season is descending upon us. If you're struggling with bladder leaks, this may fill you with dread instead of excitement for the summer season. Having to manage bladder leaks can seem daunting when we have to think about wearing a bathing suit to the beach or keeping up with kids' activities all summer long. What if I told you, bladder leaking is not something to tolerate and there are things you can do to improve your symptoms besides mapping out the bathrooms?!  

Bladder Leaking is a Common Pelvic Health Symptom.

50-60% of adult women will experience bladder leaking, with rates only increasing with age. Despite this, only about half of women will discuss their symptoms with a medical provider. Women turn to frequent bathroom trips, expensive non-reusable sanitary products, fluid restriction, and avoiding activity altogether, to manage their symptoms. None of these strategies are going to make for a very enjoyable summer season.

How can Pelvic Therapy Help Me?

Seeking therapy services from a pelvic health practitioner can help you address the root cause of your bladder leaks. Despite the societal narrative, leaking is not always a direct cause of pelvic floor muscle weakness and kegels may not solve the problem. A pelvic health practitioner will help guide you through proven strategies to improve or stop your bladder leaks. Therapy sessions may include problem solving lifestyle changes, targeted exercises including strengthening and lengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, biofeedback to understand the coordination of your pelvic floor, manual techniques, among other treatments.

Support Devices

There are a few great over-the-counter options to help you manage bladder leaks that are discreet and perfect for your favorite bikini. 

Revive: The Revive is an internal support device that sits in the vaginal canal, so it can’t be seen! It helps prevent leaks by putting slight pressure onto the vaginal wall, to help support the Urethra. The device is flexible and inserted like a tampon and comes with an applicator. It is recommended the device be worn for up to 12 hours a day, is washed with soap and water between uses, and is replaced after 31 days of wear.  

Uresta: The Uresta device prevents leaks in the same way as the Revive device, it puts pressure onto the muscles that support your urethra. This device is a fixed shape and does not require an applicator. However, size matters for this device. Uresta has 5 sizes and they offer a starter kit which comes with three of the most common sizes. However, they will send you the smaller or larger size, free of charge, within 30 days of ordering the starter kit If needed. This device can be worn all day, should be washed with soap and water between uses, and they recommended it be replaced once a year.

While these products help with bladder leaking, they do not change the underlying cause of the leaking. I recommend using these products to help you manage symptoms while working with a pelvic floor practitioner to address the root cause of your bladder leaking. 

If you want to be symptom free in time for that eeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini, book your appointment with our pelvic health specialist today!