Break the Silence, End the Stigma

Do you leak when you least expect it? You may feel as though it’s controlling your enjoyment of life, and putting limits on the activities that once brought you pleasure. You may also feel as though you’re alone, but in fact you’re not. Bladder leakage, also known as urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects 3.3 million Canadians who experience it to varying degrees¹.

Although many believe symptoms are more prevalent as we get older, younger people can experience leakage as well. An interruption in the signals between the bladder and the brain, which can be caused by many factors, can lead to leakage. Common causes include physical changes, nerve damage, weight gain and medication side effects. If you don’t experience the condition personally, chances are you may be close to someone who does. It’s important to open up a dialogue around this hush-hush subject so everyone feels empowered to find the products or resources that allow them to live their best lives.

While bladder leakage is common, most of us tend to clam up about it. In fact, experts say the number of people experiencing leakage is likely much higher than what’s documented – in Canada, it’s believed to be more than three times higher – simply because so many people don’t talk about it when it happens to them. They’re too embarrassed or ashamed to bring it up, not only with friends, family members or co-workers, but even with healthcare professionals.

In a recent survey of CARP members, over 70 percent disclosed that they’d experienced some degree of bladder leakage, yet more than half hadn’t told anyone about it. That could mean they’re not getting adequate help.

But breaking the silence can mean making a positive impact on your life, and living with the confidence to do all of the things you did before experiencing leakage symptoms. With November being Incontinence Awareness Month in Canada, we want to encourage more people to talk about the condition and access the support and tools that are available.

If you’re still making up your mind about whether to talk to someone about leakage, here are a few points to consider.

It’s holding you back, unnecessarily.
Many people with bladder leakage talk about the restriction it puts on their activities or social life. They worry about being too far from a washroom, and they stay home when they’d much rather be going out. Many respondents in the CARP survey admitted that bladder leakage has impacted their enjoyment of life, their travel plans, intimacy, and relationships. One female member shared that she reluctantly started making excuses not to meet her daughter for their weekly walks, as she felt self-conscious about her condition.

Unknowingly, bladder leakage can deeply impact relationships with loved ones. And in the vast majority of cases, there is a way to manage symptoms and allow you to reconnect with those you enjoy spending time with.

Innovations and treatments become available all the time.
Just a few years ago, we didn’t have some of the options that are available today, such as cutting-edge medications, injections for bladder control or sleek, comfortable disposable undergarments like Depend^® Silhouette^® Briefs for Women or Depend^® Real Fit^® Briefs for Men. These briefs have an advanced absorbent design that helps prevent leaks and locks in odours. Their premium cotton-like breathable fabric moves with your body for a close-to-body, underwear-like fit so you can look and feel great while staying protected at all times.

Poise^® Impressa^® Bladder Supports is an exciting innovation for women who experience light bladder leaks. The over-the-counter internal device, inserted like a tampon, helps stop unexpected leaks before they happen by placing pressure on the urethra. The product is easily inserted and removed, and can be worn comfortably for up to 12 hours in any 24-hour period.

To see what option works best for you, visit Depend.com or Poise.com and order a free Trial Kit today.

When you open up, you take control.
Over 60 percent of the CARP survey respondents talked about a loss of control over their own lives. One male CARP member noted how the sudden lack of control over his bladder severely affected his overall self-esteem, and led to a fear of developing intimate relationships. People who experience bladder leakage frequently feel as though the condition dominates them, instead of the other way around. But by actively seeking the support and information you need to manage your bladder leakage, you’re putting yourself back in the driver’s seat. When you’re open about your own bladder leakage, not only can you take control over your condition, but you help reduce the stigma around the topic and inspire others to do the same.

Everyday activities don’t need to be comprised by your bladder leakage

Traveling:
A travel experience is more memorable when you aren’t fretting about an accident or constantly looking for the nearest restroom. Depend® Silhouette® Briefs for Women & Depend® Guards for Men, can help keep you focused on sightseeing. These products comfortably deliver maximum protection with a super absorbent core that turns liquid into gel and traps in odours while offering seamless discretion.

Leisure Hobbies or Activities:
Whatever your favourite activities – cycling or jogging, joining a nature hike or going out on a hot date – you deserve to enjoy your leisure time, regardless of your leakage symptoms.

Poise^® Thin-Shape Pads^TM for Women
Offers outstanding protection and extraordinary comfort for women who experience light bladder leaks. The pads move seamlessly with your body while quickly wicking away and locking in wetness and odour.

Depend^® Real Fit^® Briefs for Men
Look, feel and fit like real underwear with a masculine waistband for a secure fit and maximum absorbency assuring you comfort and odour-free protection throughout your day.

An Overnight Trip:
Going out of town? The right protective garment means you can make the most of your business trip or weekend away with the girls, without much worry.

Depend^® Night Defense^® Underwear for Women
Specifically designed for nighttime use, this lightweight, heavy protection underwear lets you rest easy and enjoy a blissful night’s sleep.

_{¹The Canadian Incontinence Foundation, What is Urinary Incontinence, http://www.canadiancontinence.ca/EN/what-is-urinary-incontinence.php}

_{*If you’re not completely satisfied with your Depend® Underwear, we can help. Original receipt/UPC required. Restrictions apply. See Depend website for details. Purchase by 12/31/24. Mail in by 1/31/25.}