July 24, 2008

Discussing Pelvic Health With Poise

I have a confession to make. I have something to share with you, dear readers, but it’s kind of embarrassing to discuss. But here goes: I have this problem with my bladder. Either it doesn’t hold the same amount of liquid it used to, or maybe it has gotten smaller after childbirth. Whatever the reason, sometimes I have a problem with light bladder leakage.

It’s not as though I can’t hold my bladder, it’s just something that happens occasionally. Like when I’m busy all day long and forget that I have to pee. Or if I drink too much water and both of our bathrooms are occupied. Occasionally it happens if I can’t stop laughing or if I’ve sneezed or coughed too hard.

This condition is so common among women, it’s still considered a taboo subject even with close friends and family. Recent research found that 80% of women who suffer from light bladder leakage are hesitant to talk to their peers about this sensitive topic for fear of embarrassment. I’m one of those women. And I always blamed my “problem” on childbirth, an after affect of pregnancy.

The fabulous ladies of Mom Central have asked me to help women become aware of this very common and uncomfortable condition, and I learned that Kimberly-Clark’s Poise brand has joined hands with the Women’s Health Foundation (WHF) to increase awareness of pelvic health and wellness.

Recently, the Foundation held the “Below the Belt” benefit to raise awareness of the issues effecting women today and celebrate champions of the cause. At the event, Poise presented the first-ever Passion Award to Linda Michael of Portage, Indiana because her story of personal triumph over pelvic pain and bladder control issues – and her willingness to tell it – has inspired women and doctors alike to share their stories. Click here for Linda’s Story (you’ll need Window’s Media Player or equivalent to play the video.)

Linda personally struggled with and overcame her own pelvic pain and bladder control issues after giving birth to her son and now works toward breaking down the stigma surrounding these and similar problems affecting many women.

We’re hosting a blog tour in conjunction with Kimberly-Clark, to help jump start a conversation on Women’s Pelvic Heath. (To learn more about bladder control, click here.) What kinds of pelvic health concerns do you have? Have you ever suffered from light bladder leakage? How did you “control” the situation? Do you have any advice you’d like to share about your experience with this condition? Comments are open!

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Did you check-out Dana Reviews yet today? Head over there to read about the Box Tops for Education Program, and the really cool contest they launched with Kimberly-Clark!