Incontinence Pads and Undergarments do NOT Make Women Feel Sexy, Smart, or Empowered

Is it just me? Do the commercials on TV and print ads for urinary incontinence get on other women’s nerves? Based on what multiple marketing campaigns in the incontinence care industry would have you believe, if you use certain incontinence pads and undergarments, you will feel sexy, savvy, strong, and empowered, even if you are peeing in your pants. Suggesting women feel sexy or empowered because they are using an absorbent product to trap leakage flies in the face of common sense. As founder of a global nonprofit addressing diverse vaginal and intimate health needs of women mid-teens through end of life, I am continually frustrated at the insufficient focus on the biggest secret in women’s health, pelvic organ prolapse. As a pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patient advocate who talks out loud about UI with women of all ages nearly every day, I find commercials and print ads that suggest incontinence and being sexy are synonymous ludicrous. And as a woman, I find this message insulting to my intelligence.

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