Tabitha Brown Knows “How Isolating It Can Feel” To Deal with This Women’s Health Issue

Tabitha Brown, an Emmy-winning host and social media personality with millions of followers, is all about living life fully—and now she’s offering women a chance to open up about a topic that affects many but is rarely discussed: bladder leaks.

Research published in 2021 in the Journal of Urology suggests that approximately half of all women experience urinary incontinence. In addition, about 88% of women who experience bladder leaks feel like they’re not able to fully enjoy or participate in routine life moments ranging from working out to just laughing or playing with their kids, according to a 2024 Always Discreet survey on bladder leak confidence.

The actress and entrepreneur, 45, recently took to her Instagram, sharing how her own bladder was affected after giving birth to her son, and asked her 4.4 million followers to share examples of what they’d do if they didn’t feel restricted by bladder leaks. Hundreds of comments rolled in!

Ahead, we asked Brown about her partnership with Always Discreet, why using her platform for this discussion felt important, and what she does to take care of herself.

This interview has been edited for length.

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The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Tabitha, thanks for bringing attention to this conversation! It’s so important and so common for so many of us. Tell us why you wanted to bring this topic front and center?

Tabitha Brown: This journey is very personal for me. I’ve dealt with bladder leaks on and off since my thirties, particularly after having my son. When I found out that 88% of women avoid activities they love because of bladder leaks, I knew I had to use my platform to raise awareness. I understand the feelings of shame and embarrassment that can come with it, and I want to help women realize that: A) they have options with Always Discreet, B) it’s perfectly OK to talk about bladder leaks and normalize the conversation, and C) I believe I have a unique ability to make people feel comfortable discussing uncomfortable topics.

It’s something so many of us experience, but we rarely talk about it. I know how isolating it can feel. I don’t want other women to feel like they have to go through it alone. It’s normal.

The Healthy: How have the responses been?

Tabitha Brown: The responses to my posts have been amazing! So many women have shared their personal stories and expressed what they would do if bladder leaks didn’t hold them back. That’s when Always Discreet stepped in and surprised women across the country with the opportunity to finally conquer what they avoid, turning the conversation into real, life-changing moments for these women. It’s one thing to talk about a sensitive issue like bladder leaks, but to partner with a brand that’s willing to step up and act makes this collaboration truly amazing. Hearing these stories has reinforced that I partnered with the right brand.

The Healthy: Is there anything you’ve been surprised to hear a woman say she’s been missing out on because of incontinence?

Tabitha Brown: Something as simple as laughing—we all deserve to experience it. If you’re holding back your laughter, it often means you’re not surrounded by the people or things that bring you joy. I’m truly grateful that we’re having this conversation now, because everyone deserves to feel that joy.

The Healthy: Recently on the TV show The Talk, you said one of the reasons you look so healthy is because you married wisely. We love that! A healthy relationship is so good for our health in empowering ways. Can you tell us more about that from your experience?

Tabitha Brown: When your husband, wife, or partner treats you well, it affects every part of your life—you feel good, you look good, and you’re naturally more inclined to take care of yourself. You want to eat well and stay active because joy radiates from within, and you want to hold on to that feeling. That’s the beauty of a healthy relationship.

On the other hand, when you’re in a relationship that doesn’t bring you joy, stress takes over—and it shows. You might turn to unhealthy habits, like stress eating or drinking, to comfort yourself, and those habits can start to wear you down over time. But when you have joy in your relationship, you can still indulge in life’s pleasures while looking and feeling amazing.

The Healthy: What’s one self-care routine you refuse to skip?

Tabitha Brown: Drinking water! I always keep a bottle on my nightstand, and the first thing I do when I wake up is drink the whole thing to jumpstart my day and get everything flowing.