Starting Out in Your Twenties with Incontinence: One Person's Path to Confidence, Freedom, and Acceptance

NorthShore Care Supply May 1, 2026

Visanu shares their story

I was in my early twenties when I first noticed that something wasn’t quite right. At first, it was the small things, moments I brushed off as stress, lack of sleep, or just not paying attention. I told myself it was temporary, that I was too young to be dealing with anything like incontinence. But as time went on, those moments became harder to ignore. What started as an inconvenience slowly turned into something I had to face head-on.

At that age, you’re trying to build a life, finish school, start a career, and find your place in the world. Having to think about bathroom access or what clothes to wear so you feel secure wasn’t something I expected. There were times when I felt isolated, embarrassed, and even angry. I didn’t know who to talk to about it. It’s not exactly the kind of thing you bring up with friends over coffee or a social event. So, I did what I did best, locked it, threw away the key and tried to forget about it.

Eventually, I hit my tipping point, and I decided I couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine. I talked with my doctor, did research, and started to understand that incontinence isn’t rare, it just isn’t talked about enough. That realization was the first turning point for me. I wasn’t broken or alone; I was dealing with a health condition that many people manage every day.

The next steps were figuring out how to live comfortably and confidently. That process had its ups and downs. There were times I felt frustrated, like my independence had been taken away from me. But over time, I learned that managing incontinence wasn’t about giving up freedom, it was about regaining it. Once I found the right products which of course included many trials and errors and failed attempts. I finally found a routine that worked for me, I stopped letting fear of an accident control my life. I could go out, travel, and enjoy life again without having to constantly worry.

Wearing protection gave me back something I didn’t realize I had lost, peace of mind. It allowed me to focus on what really matters: connecting with people, doing work I enjoy, and living life without constant anxiety. What once felt like a symbol of limitation eventually became a symbol of control and self-care. I learned that confidence doesn’t come from pretending everything is perfect; it comes from accepting yourself, challenges and all, and finding solutions that let you thrive.

Of course, it wasn’t a perfectly smooth journey, far from it to be honest. There are still moments when I wish things were different. But those moments don’t define me anymore. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, to speak openly when I can, and to remember that there’s strength in vulnerability. Sharing my experience isn’t easy, but if it helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.

Looking back, I see how far I’ve come, from confusion and embarrassment to confidence and acceptance. Incontinence is a part of my life, but it doesn't control it. I’ve learned to adapt, to embrace what works for me, and to live fully. The truth is, freedom doesn't always look like perfection; sometimes, it looks like peace of mind, a good attitude, and a quite confidence that comes from knowing you’re doing your best every day.

If I could share one thing with anyone beginning their own journey with incontinence, it would be this: you’re not alone, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. The hardest part is often accepting that you deserve comfort, dignity, and confidence, no matter what challenges you face.

Be patient with yourself. Talk to professionals who listen and care. Experiment with different ways to manage your condition until you find what truly works for you. And most importantly, don’t let stigma define how you feel about yourself. Living with incontinence doesn’t take away your worth, it shows your resilience.

For me, acceptance brought freedom. It allowed me to stop hiding and start living again, fully, proudly, and without apology.

Thank you for reading our customer stories.

NorthShore works to remove the confusion and isolation surrounding incontinence, helping individuals better understand that “incontinence is very common, often treatable, and regardless, very manageable.” — Adam Greenberg, President & Founder of NorthShore

We are grateful for the opportunity to share these journeys and provide products that help people live life to the fullest.

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