We know that incontinence is something that millions of Americans live with. Men, women, young and old, bladder leaks are an incredibly common experience, yet can come with embarrassment and stigma. Feelings of shame or fear of judgment can then lead to avoidance of seeking necessary medical help.
Whether your pee leaks are new or you’ve been dealing for years, we want you to know that support is out there.
Benefits of Joining an Incontinence Support Community
Healthcare providers offer an essential point of view and we always encourage having conversations about pee leaks with your doctors. But, seeking out a variety of other perspectives can also be valuable, providing you with support such as:
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Practical guidance: From product recommendations to lifestyle adjustments, support groups are often full of people ready to enthusiastically share what worked for them.
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Personal stories of treatments: Oftentimes, members of support groups are open and willing to share their experiences with different therapies, share professional referrals, or discuss challenges such as side effects or insurance. Hearing personal stories puts a face to a condition that’s often secretive, and it may be empowering to share your story, too.
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A judgment-free zone: Knowing that everyone in a support group has personal experience with bladder leaks removes much of the shame and stigma and creates an open environment to share. There’s a peace of mind and reassurance to knowing that everyone in the room “gets it”.
Where Can I Find Incontinence Support Online?
Online Forums & Message Boards
While talking about the experience of bladder leaks face-to-face might feel intimidating for some, it’s a conversation that’s extensively happening online. For example, Reddit hosts several subreddits where people share experiences, practical advice, and emotional support. Check out the subreddits about Incontinence, the Pelvic Floor, Adult Bedwetting and Overactive Bladder. All feature thousands of peer-to-peer threads discussing symptoms, seeking support, and individuals sharing their experiences.
Healthcare Influencer Groups
If you’re looking for a more scientific approach to support, seek out healthcare authority figures on your favorite online platform. Friends of Attn: Grace like Dr. Sara Reardon (AKA The Vagina Whisperer) and Dr. Marcy Crouch (AKA The Down There Doc) both create medically vetted educational content that’s accessible to all. The Vagina Whisperer has also created the V-Hive, a welcoming online learning community where real people can discuss what they’re going through in Q+A sessions with Dr. Reardon.
What’s nice about groups like this one is that they may have a live component instead of just message boards, so they combine elements of in-person support groups with the convenience of a digital platform.
The National Association for Continence
This nonprofit organization exists to reduce the stigma of bladder and bowel health conditions and support those touched by incontinence. In addition to advocacy work and educational content on their site, the association moderates an inclusive message board where anyone can discuss their experience with incontinence (bladder or bowel). Topics include product recommendations, bedwetting, caregiving, and gender-specific message boards for men and women to discuss their challenges.
Visitors describe the boards as a safe place to share personal stories with one member stating “This is the first time that I’ve ever opened up to anyone. I’m really happy that I found a place where people are supportive.”
We're excited to announce that Attn: Grace is an official Trusted Partner of the NAFC.
In-Person Support Groups
There are not many in-person groups dedicated just to the support of people experiencing incontinence, but there’s room for this conversation in many support groups that do exist.
If you have an underlying medical condition related to your incontinence, from multiple sclerosis (MS) to cancer to paralysis, there is likely an in-person support group in your community where you will find others dealing with bladder leaks as a symptom of what they’re going through..
For example, if you’re experiencing postpartum pee leaks, you are likely to find others in the same situation at your local La Leche League chapter meeting or at the new baby support group organized by the hospital where you delivered. Need more help finding an in-person support group for new moms? Ask your OB or midwife!
Some pelvic floor physical therapists (PFPTs) also organize and/or moderate in-person support groups for women experiencing various pelvic floor conditions. If you’re already in treatment, ask your PFPT whether they know of any groups meeting in person.
If you are a caregiver for a person who lives with incontinence, you can find a local group for fellow caregivers through your community’s Council on Aging or a resource like CareAsOne, which offers forums for caregivers to connect about their experiences. Many in-person support groups exist for caregivers, and incontinence is a very common challenge that caregivers must navigate.
And let’s not forget menopause. There are many live support groups for women going through menopause (which can come with urinary symptoms), including group therapy and menopause-focused live events and forums. We suggest exploring Psychology Today as a starting point for finding your local group.
Attn: Grace Resources
From our blog to our Facebook and Instagram pages, we are always making an effort to bring conversations about bladder leaks out into the daylight and present diverse perspectives on this topic. In addition to our resources, you can always talk to our caring and informed customer service team about your experience; they’re sensitive and a great help at selecting products that will be perfect for helping you get through your days comfortably.
Make sure you’re subscribed to our enewsletters to be on the list for our latest blogs, healthcare provider Q+As, and women’s health resources (along with great sales and new product announcements).
Take the First Step to Finding Support
If you're feeling alone or overwhelmed, remember: talking (or typing!) helps. Whether it’s a forum post, Reddit comment, or scheduling a meeting with a PFPT specialist, you deserve to be heard and to feel a sense of understanding and belonging from peers and professionals alike.
Try one of these first steps:
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Join r/Incontinence or the subreddit that speaks to you
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Check out the podcast from the National Association for Continence
Take a deep breath and find support where you’re most comfortable. We hope you find power in the collective experience, along with helpful tips and stories of resilience. Because amplifying this conversation is how we remove the shame, stigma, and isolation of incontinence.