Topic: The hidden health issue affecting working women: Bladder leaks and how to manage them at work
Bladder problems are increasingly common among women in the workplace. From prolonged sitting to high-pressure rules, there are several reasons why a working woman may be dealing with this problem and feel that it’s taboo.
What are viable solutions for bladder control?
A busy working woman can practice bladder training by slowly spacing out your bathroom trips. Keep drinking your water, but you may need to adjust your drinking method. It’s best to sip water consistently throughout the day over chugging all at once.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you strengthen your pelvic walls. It may involve electrical stimulation using sensors or manual therapy, in which a specialist uses kneading and triggerpoint therapy to relieve muscle tension. They can also guide you through targeted exercises, like kegels, bridge poses, and squats that strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles.
At NorthShore Care Supply, women can choose from pull-up underwear, pad-style protection, and tab-style briefs. “Once women have the right product, it stops being a distraction and becomes a non-issue,” Adam J. Greenberg, Founder & CEO, NorthShore Care Supply, continued.
How common is the problem?
“So many women pursuing their careers might be quietly managing bladder leaks and think they’re the only one — they’re not even close,” shares Adam J. Greenberg, Founder & CEO, NorthShore Care Supply.
The Mayo Clinic reports that 50% of adult women have this issue, but only 25% to 61% of such women discuss it with their medical provider.
Why do bladder leaks happen?
Childbirth is a common reason for postpartum incontinence due to weakened pelvic walls. Occupational hazards can also affect it if a woman is doing a job that requires heavy lifting or prolonged standing, as it can increase intra-abdominal pressure.
A woman working in a very fast-paced or restrictive environment can quickly develop poor toilet habits, such as excessively holding it in for too long. Doing so can disrupt normal bladder signaling. High stress also affects neurological responses that can exacerbate those symptoms.
Why is there shame?
Some women may avoid discussing the issue or feel it’s taboo, as reduced bladder control is often associated with aging. If coworkers and colleagues know about the issue, they may fear being seen as physically weak and unable to handle an intense work routine and long hours.
Plus, urinating is still a private body issue, so most people don’t proactively discuss it. They may also be anxious about being outed if somebody sees the physical signs of their incontinence management, such as:
- Frequent bathroom trips
- Urine smells
- Carrying large pads
With better protection, more women can develop confidence about managing symptoms at work.
Women can manage their bladders like they do careers
Bladder incontinence can be a psychological and physical strain for many working women. However, many are affected by it at some point, so there’s no need to feel shame. With the availability of various absorbent products and other lifestyle adjustments to manage urinary flow, women can learn to work and play while managing this issue.
