‘Uresta Stopped My Bladder Leaks After Surgery Failed—I Finally Got My Confidence Back!’
Today, Susan Johnstone no longer fears going running or worrying about an 'oops' moment
For years, Susan Johnstone, 53, lived with an embarrassing problem that threatened to take away the activity she loved most: running. She tried everything—even surgery—to keep her bladder leaks at bay, but nothing helped. Then she discovered a simple, woman-led solution that restored her confidence and joy. Here, Susan shares how Uresta put an end to her urinary incontinence episodes and helped her get back to enjoying life again.
Running had always been my respite
Lacing up my sneakers, I hit the trail hoping this run would be different. Running used to be my source of peace, but after having two children in my 30s, I began losing control of my bladder.
For years, bladder leaks during activity persisted—no matter what precautions I took or how many Kegel exercises I did. I stopped drinking water before I ran because I’d fill up an entire pad and feel humiliated. It felt like I was wearing a diaper.
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I also became terribly self-conscious about how I smelled. The fear of leaking and odor made me anxious about being around people, and it took a serious toll on my mental health. I started isolating myself from activities I loved because I was scared of leaking in front of others when I was active.
Over time, I lost so much of the courage and confidence I used to have because of my bladder control problems.
Even surgery didn’t stop my bladder leaks
Eventually, after years of struggling, I turned to my doctor, who diagnosed me with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) caused by my urethra being flattened during childbirth. My doctor suggested sling surgery, a common procedure that supports the urethra. My urologist had never treated someone as active as me, but he was confident the surgery would work for me.
I went into the experience hoping this would stop my leaks and I could get back to living my life. At first, the procedure seemed successful during daily activities. But then I went for a run and was devastated to discover I was still experiencing urinary incontinence.
After all the time and effort and going through the procedure, I was right back where I started, having to wear pads and incontinence underwear. I felt incredibly discouraged.
It was hard to keep my hopes up
When I went back to my urologist, he wasn’t able to offer any explanation, but he told me it was a mystery and that I was his first-ever “failure.” For me, that wasn’t comforting—if anything, it felt even more isolating. It made me feel like I was the problem that couldn’t be solved and that I still had to navigate urinary incontinence alone. After the surgery failed and I was left feeling completely hopeless, it was difficult to stay positive.
For 14 more years, I continued trying to manage urine leakage by limiting my water intake before activities and wearing pads, but I felt defeated. I soon began to worry I would never find answers and it would be a lifelong struggle. Still, running meant so much to me that I refused to give up on finding a solution—no matter how long it took. I kept searching for other options.
An affordable solution
As I continued my hunt for a cure, I considered getting a medical pessary—a device that a doctor inserts into the vagina and supports the urethra. It seemed to successfully treat urinary incontinence for many women, but I was hesitant to take on more doctor appointments.
Then one spring day in 2023, while scrolling on Instagram, I saw a post about Uresta—a small, reusable silicone pessary that is self-inserted and said to stop leaks during coughing, laughing or running. A wave of excitement came over me because I didn’t need a prescription, it was affordable and I could manage it myself at home.
I scoured product reviews and everything I read mentioned how easy it is to use. At that point, I was eager to try it since no other remedy had worked.
I decided to give Uresta a try
I ordered the Starter Kit directly through the company’s website, Uresta.com. The kit cost $179, which felt reasonable—especially compared to the cost of surgery or buying pads week after week for decades. The kit included three different-size devices, which helped me find the right fit for my body and activity level. I also liked that additional sizes were available if needed.
I’d also read online that insertion is similar to using a menstrual cup. I had used a cup before, so I wasn’t nervous about inserting it the first time. It was very straightforward once I got the hang of it. Soon enough, I didn’t even realize it was there.
Removing the device was just as simple. To find my correct fit, I went for a run with the smallest size and immediately noticed I wasn’t leaking as much. Then I tried the next size up and the leaking completely stopped. That’s how I knew I had found the right fit for my body.
Uresta finally restored my confidence
I was so relieved to finally run without wearing thick pads or specialized underwear, which was completely life-changing. I also started using the device when I went hiking and during other activities with groups. Now I keep it with me wherever I go, just in case I need to use it.
Uresta restored my confidence and joy, and I could finally do the activities I loved with other people without anxiety or fear of bladder leaks. After years of dealing with urinary incontinence and isolating myself, being able to live without that constant worry was everything. It was truly miraculous. I’ll be using it for life!
More natural ways to prevent bladder leaks
If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence and looking for bladder support without prescriptions or procedures, consider giving these helpful remedies a try:
Time your fluids
Turns out you can help prevent bladder leaks by simply adjusting when you drink your fluids. Studies show women who sip steadily throughout the day—and avoid drinking right before bed—experience fewer leaks. Experts explain that consuming large amounts at once can rapidly fill the bladder, triggering accidents. Apps like Hydro Coach can help, sending steady reminders to hydrate throughout the day. That way, you stay refreshed and properly hydrated without the worry of leaks interrupting your day.
Swap your drink
Clinical studies have found that women who limit caffeinated beverages report fewer urgency symptoms and incontinence episodes. Caffeine acts as both a bladder stimulant and mild diuretic, increasing urgency and urine production. Choosing decaffeinated coffee or tea, herbal blends, water or sparkling water can help maintain hydration while minimizing bladder irritation.
Practice yoga
Research shows that women who follow a therapeutic yoga program targeting the core, hips and pelvic floor report fewer leakage episodes. Yoga’s deep breathing and mindful movement help women engage their pelvic floor muscles, making it easier for the body to manage urine flow and stop accidental leaks.
To get started, try the Bridge Pose: Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then lift your hips while tightening your pelvic floor. Hold for a few moments before releasing and lowering back down. Repeat a few times.
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This article originally appeared in the March 23, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World.
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