
Light Bladder Leakage – Q and A with Positive Living Expert Barbara Hannah Grufferman #LBL #Health #ad
This is the second in a series of posts about light bladder leakage and the impact it has on women’s health physically and psychologically. This month I interviewed positive aging expert Barbara Hannah Grufferman, author of The Best of Everything After 50 : The Experts’ Guide To Style, Sex, Health, Money and More.
1. What kind of psychological impact does Light Bladder Leakage have on a woman?
LBL can affect women in many aspects of their lives, making them feel as though they are ruled by their bladder leaks. Over half of Canadian women under the age of 55 experience some level of anxiety as a result, one third said they wouldn’t travel, and 11% reported that they would put off visiting friends and family if they experience bladder leaks. One in five even avoid having sex because they feel embarrassed. And just as important, six in ten women who experience bladder leaks feel as though they are living with a secret. It can wreak havoc on their confidence and stop them from living their lives.
2. What kind of advice would you give someone who needs to have a conversation about LBL with a friend or family member?
Most women don’t want to talk about having a sensitive bladder, even with their doctors. Instead, they try to keep it a secret. But, women who do experience LBL should know that they are not alone! We encourage women to talk with their friends, and for sure, with their partners, especially if they have been avoiding sexual intimacy. If a woman’s partner sees that she is comfortable with what her body is experiencing, her partner will be, too. And as with most important conversations, the fear of it is always worse than the discussion itself. It could even bring their relationship to a new level of intimacy.
3. How do you start that conversation?
One of the best ways to start any challenging conversation is to open up with others who are experiencing what you are experiencing. Share your feelings and concerns, and ask questions, with other women either in person or through online forums, such as on www.AlwaysDiscreet.ca. Women who do quickly realize that they are not alone, and they can get good tips on how to get the conversation going with friends and family from others who are having similar discussions.
4. How do you know when LBL (light bladder leakage) is something that actually requires further medical investigation?
LBL is common in women over 40, but women should always discuss changes in their bodies with their physicians.
5. How many women over 40 have LBL (light bladder leakage) ?
According to the Canadian Urinary Bladder Survey, 16% of men and 33% of women over the age of 40 have symptoms of urinary incontinence but only 26% have discussed with their doctor.
6. Is this an age related condition? Is it more related to child birth?
Women can experience a sensitive bladder or LBL for many different reasons, although it happens more often with women over 40. Some of the reasons include having given birth, going through menopause, being overweight, and even certain medical conditions.
[tweetthis]Women can have a sensitive bladder for many different reasons #LBL #ad @alwaysdiscreet[/tweetthis]
7. How important is having something like Always Discreet to use?
For Canadian women who experience LBL, over 45% reported being anxious because they were concerned about smelling like urine. And almost half of them experienced bladder leaks before they had the chance to get to the restroom. If they wore the right product–one that neutralizes odour, absorbs quickly, and was comfortable yet discreet–there’s no question they would start to feel like bladder leaks are no big deal. In fact, almost nine out of ten (88%) of Canadian women under 55 who experience LBL said that the right protection would give them the confidence to be more socially active and engaged with life.
Many thanks to Barbara for answering my questions regarding Light Bladder Leakage.
[tweetthis]If you have LBL, @AlwaysDiscreet is a great way to boost your confidence #LBL #ad[/tweetthis]
If you have LBL, Always Discreet is a great way to boost your confidence. Always Discreet is the leading brand in urinary incontinence control. Their pads are thin, yet super absorbent, so you can feel confident in how you look and feel. And their super absorbent core also helps to lock away odor as well, which is a concern of many women with LBL. The size and discreet nature of the pads makes it easy to travel with this product. By the way right now you can have free samples mailed to you. Just visit Always Discreet web site for more information.
[tweetthis]Try a free sample now @AlwaysDiscreet #LBL #health #ad[/tweetthis]
LBL is a Condition not a Life Sentence
LBL ( Light Bladder Leakage ) is nothing more than a medical condition. It’s not a life sentence. Don’t let LBL control you. Control it!
I created this post as a paid ambassador with Always Discreet. All opinions and advice are my own and I only work with companies I genuinely love.


19 Comments
Amanda || Growing Up Madison
Yes I do realize a lot of women don’t like talking about LBL, it’s as if it’s something to be ashamed of. I personally don’t mind and have noticed that the older I get, it’s something I need to be aware of.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication
Great interview! I haven’t encountered that issue as of yet, but I think I would feel safe knowing that such a product was at my disposal!
Paula
It really was having the conversation with a relative that was the hard part for me. How do you bring it up? Anyways this expert finally helped.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I don’t have leakage issues, but there is a whole group of moms in my zumba class who do & there is always a collective sigh when a song with jumps comes on!
Pam
I had no idea that LBL was so common! It’s definitely something that women need to discuss with their doctors!
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom)
LBL is a big problem for me. I still find myself crossing legs for a sneeze.
Liz Mays
It is an embarrassing topic but LBL is such a common issue. I’m glad there are discreet solutions like these.
Lady Lilith
Nice tips. Thank you for sharing important information on such a big health issue. Awarenss is super important.
Amber NElson
I’ve had this too. it is embarassing but definitely part of life.
Valerie
This is a great interview. I am glad there are discreet products to help women with this issue.
Dawn
This was certainly an informative Q and A. I love learning that other women experience these things too.
Pam
This is great information to get out there to all women. You never know what life will bring you and at what age.
Onica {mommy factor}
This is very helpful advice, I’m gonna try it.
Annemarie LeBlanc
Thank you for raising awareness of this disease. It is great that there are companies that create products having women’s issues as their priority.
Ann BAcciaglia
Such an important conversation to have. I enjoyed reading this series with the expert. Great suggestions.
Mary Madalene
I didn’t know a lot of women were scared to let their doctors know about the problem’s they were facing. But I know that Light Bladder Leakage doesn’t just effect Women, it can also effect Men too!
Toughcookiemommy
I think it is great that we are able to talk about topics like this one. I’m sure it is something that most women can relate to.
Marielle Altenor
I can totally understand this. I’m only 31 but after giving birth to my son I started experiencing LBL Laughing too hard or sneezing can sometimes turn into very embarrassing moments.
Kelly Hutchinson
I have LBL and sadly, I am going to have surgery to correct. At least it will be gone and I don’t have to wear pads any ore!