I’ve written about many subjects during my long career as a writer and journalist, but in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined I’d be writing about underwear I’ve found for my stress incontinence. Not a very sexy subject, but an important one, since stress incontinence (also lovingly known as LBL light bladder leakage) affects one in every three women over the age of 40, most commonly after multiple births or during menopause.
Weakened muscles in and around the bladder usually cause intermittent leakage of small amounts of urine, often brought on by exercise, coughing, sneezing or laughing. Other causes include damage to the pelvic region or sphincter muscle. I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 44, part of the reason I have this irritating problem two decades later.
I take a drug called Vesicare to control the situation, but once in a while—if I wait too long to pee—my muscles don’t work like they used to. So it was nice to discover panties that feature a pad built into the crotch that quickly absorbs leakage and leaves me comfortable. The pad is completely hidden and there’s no unsightly bulk.
Few things embarrass me and if I can share my experiences with other FOFs, and help them, I’m all for it. Isn’t it better than suffering in silence and embarrassment, like many of our mothers and grandmothers did?
The panties I’m wearing are called Wearever. Although it’s not an especially romantic name, the styles are definitely pretty and include soft prints, solids, and lacy numbers. They’re made of fabrics such as nylon, cotton blend and polyester, wash well and will hold up to 200 to 250 washes, the company claims. The prices are quite reasonable, too: About $16.00 for a single pair, and less per pair if you buy a pack of three or six.
I’m glad companies are responding to real needs of our generation.
[Plus, click here to read an interview with Bob Deerin, President and CEO of Prime Life Fibers, manufacturer of Wearever Incontinence Underwear.]
0 Responses to “Leaking My Little Secret”
Dorinda says:
I am placing an order right now ! Hope they REALLY are great. Thank you Geri !
Geri Brin says:
hi dorinda (love your name)
they are wonderful. i am wearing the lace panties now and they feel extremely comfortable. Also wash in the machine beautifully. Let me know how you like them.
best,
geri
debi barnes says:
Everyone talks about bladder leakage issues but some people have issues with fecal incontinence as well. Who makes sexy undies for them?
Bonnie says:
I just ordered some the other day. I am glad to hear a good review. I am an athlete and I really hate the leakage issue every time I exercise. I love the fact that they are washable. Far better than the daily (sometimes more) disposable pads that go to landfills and more economic. I hope the quality is good and they last a while.
Sunn ymay says:
Ususally I don’t have big problems with incontinence, but a cold pushes me over the edge and I have to wear liners or pads to take care of the problem. These savvy underwear would have come in handy and because they’re washable, the investment would eventually even out.
Liza says:
Just use coupon code Fab50 at checkout and get 10% off any women’s underwear to try out!!!
Toni says:
where are all of these people getting their undies that $16 for a pair with a pad seems expensive? I think you all need to step away from the Wal-Mart drawers and upgrade!
Geri says:
hi marica,
a manicure cost more than these panties. I’d rather do my own nails for one week to be able to buy these.
geri
Marcia says:
I have learned, since only age 55, to ALWAYS wear a panty shield daily. I keep spares in my purse. When I had bronchitis 2 months ago, the coughing required me to change out the pad (and my pants) several times a day. But I never had a moment in public that couldn’t be overcome. I found that if I was aware that I was about to cough hard, I could concentrate on not letting it happen. It took practice, and not ever being too far away from a restroom. Sorry, but I would never spend $16 for a pair of undies.
judy clark says:
I recently was very embarrassed. My husband and I were walking in the park on a Sunday afternoon and I sneezed and leaked! I would spend $16 for a pair.
Geri says:
hi judy,
The company is offering 10 percent off for FOF members. Paste this into your browser so you can see the email we sent out today, if you haven’t already.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/13c91c80e88a4395
best, geri
Diane says:
I couldn’t get the link to work. Is there a code word to enter for the savings?
Geri says:
hi diane,
use the code Fab50 on the Wearever site checkout to get the discount.
geri
Pamela Lloyd says:
Go out and spend money on the protection pads these panties could save you mint.
Connie H. says:
Since I always wear a pad, the idea of a pantie that would absorb my occ. Leaks sounds good. I would try a pair, even at $16.
Dorothy B says:
Still raising a family of three so $16 is a little high for me but great concept.
Anne says:
$16 for one pair of panties? Yow. To this NC gal that seems like a lot of money! Mine are 3 for $7 … a splurge might be $5 each.
Marcia says:
Roger that.