Katherine Heigl, the 46-year-old actress, has partnered with Poise to address the often unspoken issue of “giggle dribble,” the involuntary leakage of urine often associated with childbirth and perimenopause. Heigl, in a humorous new campaign, aims to destigmatize this common experience for women.
The campaign features a relatable scenario: Heigl enjoying brunch with her son and a friend when laughter triggers a bladder leak. Seizing the moment, Heigl educates her friend on how hormonal changes related to childbirth and perimenopause can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, contributing to these leaks. With a playful nod to her Emmy-winning role as Dr. Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy, Heigl lightheartedly offers her friend a Poise liner.
Heigl shared with PEOPLE that she was surprised by the stigma surrounding occasional bladder leaks, especially those triggered by laughter or coughing. “When I talk with my friends, we all laugh about it,” she admitted. Her goal is to encourage open conversation and alleviate shame. “I am not okay with anybody out there feeling any kind of shame or embarrassment around this,” she stated, emphasizing the natural progression of these experiences for women. Heigl believes humor and supportive products like Poise liners can help women navigate this phase with confidence. “I will happily get loud about this if it will help other women feel comfortable,” she added.
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The mother of three recounted her first experience with a bladder leak after her son Joshua’s birth in 2017, choosing to laugh it off rather than feel embarrassed. However, she acknowledged that perimenopause has brought new challenges. Heigl even shared an anecdote about her sister teasing her about the duration of perimenopause, highlighting the importance of finding humor in the situation.
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While embracing a lighthearted approach, Heigl expressed frustration with the lack of information and support provided by doctors regarding perimenopause. She described feeling lost and confused by the changes in her body, from mood swings and fatigue to brain fog. Heigl emphasized the need for more proactive assistance for women experiencing these symptoms. “Your body is suddenly completely a stranger to you and you don’t know what it’s doing or why,” she explained.
Heigl finds comfort in connecting with other women going through similar experiences. She believes that sharing stories and acknowledging the universality of these challenges can empower women and reduce feelings of isolation. Ultimately, Heigl hopes to spark a more open dialogue about perimenopause and advocate for better resources and support for women navigating this life stage.
