This post about Stress Urinary Incontinence was sponsored by Poise Impressa as part of an Ambassador Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary product and compensation to facilitate my review.
You may recall that recently I was testing out Poise* Impressa* Bladder Supports for my Stress Urinary Incontinence. To bring you up to speed, SUI is a condition which can cause urinary incontinence (bladder leakage) from basic everyday activities like laughing, crying, sneezing, coughing, lifting, or exercising – even something as simple as going up and down the stairs. Personally, I’ve had it happen with ALL of those activities at one time or another, often multiple times in one day. For those of you who have also experienced this, you know how frustrating it can be. I remember thinking, finally my period is over, no more pads! Oh wait, now I have to wear them to absorb bladder leaks. Ugh.
It’s not just having to wear pads again. The changes I made to my life went well beyond simply wearing pads. I became quite self-conscious, especially in certain social settings. I quit working out at the gym. I excused myself from active play with the kids. I fretted about parties, going out to dinner, going to the movies, and other such activities. If I did have to go out, I always carried a change of clothing and extra pads with me just in case. Often I got myself so worked up with stress just thinking about the upcoming event, that I’d just cancel and not bother going at all. It didn’t seem worth it anymore. Yet, I felt like I was sitting on the sidelines, missing all the fun.
A few weeks ago, I had a funeral to attend. Now, I know it wasn’t about me but still, it’s hard to think about being a comfort to others when I’m worried about embarrassing bladder leakage. I knew that the emotions, the crying, even the laughter as we talked about the happy memories could bring on incontinence. It was definitely time to give those Poise* Impressa* Bladder Supports a try. Unlike pads, these offer discreet protection to help prevent bladder leakage in the first place, rather than simply absorb it.
I started out by using the Poise Impressa Sizing Kit. At $9.99, it is an affordable way to find out which size you’re going to need. Start with Size 1 and if it stops your bladder leaks, it’s the right size. If not, try Size 2 and so on, until you find the one that works for you. The Bladder Supports are so easy to use – simply insert into the vagina like a tampon. It places pressure on the urethra and helps prevent urine from leaking out in the first place. Once I found my correct size and inserted it, I was able to forget about it and carry on with my day! Oh but just a caution, it’s not advised to wear one of the bladder supports for more than about 8 hours. They were quite comfortable but I think I’d only use them when going out.
Now, I’ll be honest, when I tried one for the first time, I wasn’t sure it was going to work. It just seemed too easy. So, I wore a pad along with it that day to the funeral. No leaks. The next day, our family all gathered together to spend some time supporting one another. I used a Poise Impressa Bladder Support AND I wore a pad again. If the funeral hadn’t been enough of a test, this day surely was. The kids lightened the mood with a dance party and wanted us all to join in. But, I just wasn’t confident enough yet. I was curious though. So far, I had been leak free with Poise Impressa– could I actually take part in a dance party without any embarrassment? Want to know a secret? I went into the bathroom and tried dancing in there all by myself. I just had to know! And once again, Poise Impressa passed the test.
This past weekend was the first of our family Christmas celebrations. This time, I used the Poise Impressa and NO pad. Rousing board games with the kids (we are not a quiet family – fun = raucous laughter and yelling for us) would have meant bladder leakage for sure in the past. Nothing. Not even one tiny little leak. #Winning
I came home that night and made plans. I’m going out on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve never experienced SUI, you may not realize just how much this means to me. I haven’t gone out for NYE in years. It was just too much pressure but this year I feel emboldened by my new-found confidence thanks to Poise Impressa Bladder Supports. I don’t have to sit on the sidelines anymore.
You can learn more about Stress Urinary Incontinence and Poise Impressa Bladder Supports here >>> Impressa.com
Read stories from women who have SUI and are using Poise Impressa here >>> http://www.poise.com/products/impressa/stories
Connect with others, share your own experiences, and learn more about SUI on social media through the hashtag #LiveWithoutLeaks
You can find Poise on social media here >>> Facebook
How would you benefit from using Poise Impressa Bladder Supports? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $50 Shopper’s Drug Mart gift card that you can use towards the purchase of Poise Impressa products. Give them a try for yourself!
Giveaway Terms and Conditions: Open to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec. You may enter this giveaway on multiple blogs but may only win once (on one blog only). Void where prohibited. Prize will be sent out by Influence Central approximately 4-6 weeks after the close of the contest. All entries must be in by December 25th at 11:59 pm Eastern. You will be notified via email from cyn@creativecynchronicity.com (you should whitelist this email address). You will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. As per Canadian law, you will be asked a skill-testing question in order to claim your prize.
Anne-Marie Tvete says
I don’t need these(yet) but I think my mom would benefit from them.
Jonnie says
I think Poise Impressa Bladder Supports would give me more confidence to laugh freely without having to worry about little leaks
maria says
This would give extra protection
Tainan Lu says
My mom would benefit from using Poise Impressa Bladder Supports
Cheryl MacPhail says
I wouldn’t yet but that day may come. My mom could benefit because her bladder was injured in surgery many years ago.
Amy Heffernan says
They give me extra protection! Thanks!
loriag says
I do not need Poise Impressa Bladder Supports at this time but I know a time is coming when I may and it is always good to have done your research ahead of time.
Elizabeth R says
This product is so innovative and would make life so much easier.
seham m says
Ive experienced urinary incontinence and this would help a lot
joanne darrell says
I would benefit from using Poise because whenever I go outside I have to use the bathroom.
Angela September says
I would benefit because after having 2 kids it is sometimes a struggle when I’m laughing too hard or coughing! and YIKES!! Thank you for posting about such a handy product
lisa bolduc says
ever since my first kids this has been a big problem for me. I need help thanks poise
ivy pluchinsky says
It would help me when I exercise, or when I sneeze!
Sarah De Diego says
Feeling dry and not having to be embarrassed about a condition that we have no control over would help me feel more confident while out and about.
Jeannie Lam says
I think it would give me a piece of mind knowing I have the protection, especially during the holidays when there are so many jokes and I’m always laughing.
angela m says
My Aunt could benefit from Poise Impressa Bladder Supports with embarrassing leaks.
Juliee Fitze says
It would give me piece of mind when I’m out and about .
Judy Cowan says
I don’t have any issues but my sister is having a big issue with this and uses the pads. Would be great to be able to buy her some of these to try out. Thanks for the chance.
nicolthepickle says
IT would be useful for when I do high impact exercises.
Cheryl Grandy says
I think Poise Impressa Bladder Supports would help me by preventing bladder leakage when I strain to lift something.
Elaine G says
This would benefit my mom. She has issues with this. I do not yet.
Florence Cochrane says
I have leakage when I laugh, cough or sneeze. I would love to try the product.
Glogirl says
I don’t need this product yet but I feel my mom could benefit from it to avoid embarrassing little leaks.
LILLIAN BROWN says
I would benefit from using Poise because whenever I have a coughing spell, I leak a little
Dixie says
I wouldn’t be so nervous and uptight or try not to laugh to avoid little leaks. I would feel more confident knowing I had extra protection.
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
I would benefit from using Poise when exercising.
Amy C says
I have had 5 kids, my bladder is not what it used to be. I could benefit form Poise Impressa. Sneezing, coughing and jumping on the trampoline don’t work out so well for me.
Wendy hutton says
I have had LBL for about 25 years and I am always looking for a better product and this poise product sounds great
michelle matta says
I had a lot of bladder leakage for the last 2-5 years due to lung disease (the endless coughing does it i guess.. or the weakening of muscles and loss of weight from calories burned breathing). I am younger and also haven’t had a child so I felt like I didn’t “deserve” to deal with that or have anyone to talk to. Anyway, I could use poise even though my problems have lessened with improved health. I know whats ahead (again) now. Its a bizarre place to be.
Courtney says
I’d be able to laugh and sneeze without worrying that I’ll pee my pants!
Pam says
I am not at the point where I would need this but I do notice some changes and I like to be informed so that when it does get to be more of a problem, I am prepared.
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
I could use it when exercising
Jenness M says
This would help when I’m playing with the kids or when exercising.
elaine douglas says
after having 2 kids im sure this product may be useful for me in the future
Andrea Amy says
I have 5 kids, so my bladder isn’t what it once was. Coughing or sneezing can lead to embarrassing moments.
Christine D says
After having two kiddos I think that’s when I noticed I lost a bit of control. I’m interested to see if this would be suitable as a option.
lori butler says
i’m not getting any younger and I need extra protection
Suzi says
I’d benefit because it would love me feeling fresh and clean!
Rhonda W G. says
It sounds like it may be a consideration for my mom who has this issue. On long trips she has been known not to drink water because she is so worried.
Carol M says
I don’t have any problems yet but have a relative that does. In will pass on this info.
naiddia p says
This would give me extra protection against leaks.
Soozle says
I would love to gift this to my BFF who has LBL after childbirth; this would give her more confidence when going out in public
Yuen C says
Less worrying when sneezing!
Sunshine G says
That would be handy when I have a cold!
Barb W says
What woman, after having a child, wouldn’t benefit? Lol
Tara Betterley says
I think this would be so helpful when I get a cough and can’t get rid of it. I get coughing so hard that I have problems with leakage.
Maria says
After having kids bladder leakage is something I have to live with everyday, this would be awesome
Christine Labelle says
I have had for children and I get bronchitis often due to asthma so there may be some leakage. It’s nice to have options.