Here’s a stat that might surprise you: Incontinence affects one in three women over their lifetime. You’re probably thinking:  “That’s not something I’ll have to deal with until I’m much older.” But the idea that incontinence is exclusively associated with aging is a complete myth. In fact, this condition can happen at any life stage, including during and after pregnancy, as a side effect of certain medications, during perimenopause and menopause and more.

Another fact—one that likely won’t surprise you: Bladder leaks can significantly impact one’s intimate well-being and confidence, especially when your incontinence solutions dish up some unpleasant side effects. In fact: 77 percent of women with bladder weakness have experienced skin irritation and discomfort while wearing incontinence protection. It can all lead to an isolation spiral that keeps us from getting it out in the open—from freeing ourselves of unnecessary shame

ELLE Canada hosted “In the Clouds,” an exclusive event centred around intimate-skin health presented in partnership with TENA Canada, the world’s leading incontinence-care brand. (ICYMI: Over the past few years, TENA has been on a mission to dismantle the stigma around incontinence, proving its commitment to normalizing this conversation by teaming up with partners like ELLE Canada.)

Photos: Brandon DaCosta

This particular event—held on a sunny Thursday evening at Gezellig Studios in the heart of Toronto’s Fashion District—acted as a safe, joyful space, for new moms and perimenopausal and menopausal women, to dive into this essential subject. In addition to experiencing glam moments including hand massages, a DIY exfoliator bar and a one-night-only ELLE Canada cover shoot lensed by photographer Kayla Rocca, guests had the opportunity to engage with experts and get all their questions answered.

Photos: Brandon DaCosta

The conversation about our most intimate issues was opened up by Cynthia Loyst, co-host of CTV’s The Social and a proud TENA Canada ambassador. As someone who is “all about talking about uncomfortable things,” Loyst sees events like this as essential for destigmatizing completely normal experiences. “Women should not have to feel ashamed of their bodies,” she said. “It’s all in our best interest to share stories and completely lift the veil on this so we lift each other up as well.”

Photos: Brandon DaCosta

With that support in mind, guests were invited to circuit three educational stations, all aimed at breaking down barriers. The first stop: learning about the genius science behind the all-new TENA Sensitive Care pads, enriched with the brand’s ultra-gentle SkinComfort Formula. Available in seven absorbencies and sizes, these dermatologically approved incontinence pads address intimate-skin irritation with a layer of soft, 100 percent breathable materials all while delivering triple protection against leaks, odour and moisture. Test-driving the technology in real time via drops of the SkinComfort Formula proved totally engaging: Guests were able to feel the comfortable difference by mimicking the friction-free sensation you can experience while wearing TENA’s Sensitive Care pads.

Photos: Brandon DaCosta

Photos: Brandon DaCosta

The second station was the Myth or Reality, Pelvic Health Edition hub with Nelly Faghani, a Toronto-based pelvic-floor physiotherapist. While talking guests through some myths surrounding incontinence (hint: limiting your water intake to prevent leakage is not the answer), Faghani spoke about how she’s witnessing a change in how we talk about this common but still taboo topic. “There’s a global shift of understanding, awareness and conversations around it,” she said. “Events like these make a difference, talking about it makes a difference and knowing that there’s something you can do about it hopefully makes a difference.”

Photos: Brandon DaCosta

The last station was helmed by Dr. Beatrice Copps, a double board-certified dermatologist at Dermapure, who shared skincare tips along with some sage advice should you be experiencing pervasive intimate-skin irritation. Though it might feel uncomfortable to share what’s going on down there, she said, finding the courage to cut through that shame is the first step to getting the help you might need. “It’s important for women to feel empowered to ask their family doctor if their symptoms are normal and, if [they’re] not, [whether] they should seek a referral,” said Copps. “There’s absolutely nothing that you tell your doctor that will faze them, so just cut to the chase!”

Photos: Brandon DaCosta

 

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Une publication partagée par ELLE Canada (@ellecanada)