Stopping Stress Incontinence & Providing Bladder Support with Karen Brunet of Cntrl+

Welcome back to Business of the V! If you are a woman, know a woman, have a business, or care about your v health and wellness, this is the podcast for you.

This is Episode #114 and you’ll hear Co-Hosts Dr. Alyssa Dweck & Rachel Braun Scherl interview Karen Brunet, Founder of Cntrl+. Watch the video episode on YouTube and listen to the audio episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying the show!

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Stopping Stress Incontinence & Providing Bladder Support with Karen Brunet of Cntrl+

1 in 3 women deal with bladder leaks, with stress incontinence being the most common type of urinary incontinence. Most people & companies don’t talk about it. This week’s guest, Cntrl+ Founder Karen Brunet, created the most effective, comfortable, and reusable bladder support available for active women. Hear the top triggers for stress incontinence, how bladder leaks impact your confidence & physical activity levels, how Cntrl+ provides bladder support, how often you should wear it, and their focus on consumer safety & ease of use.

This episode covers everything from the medical realities and stigma surrounding stress urinary incontinence to how women manage bladder leaks in everyday life. Here’s a small sample of what you’ll hear in this episode:

• What is stress urinary incontinence and why is it so common?

• How do childbirth, athletics, and aging increase bladder leak risk?

• How does Cntrl+ provide bladder support during movement and exercise?

• What makes this device different from pads and traditional pessaries?

• How accessible are modern solutions for managing stress incontinence?

Tune in to this episode for a clear look at stress urinary incontinence, its impact on daily life, and how women are navigating available solutions.

Show Notes

• Stopping Stress Incontinence & Providing Bladder Support with Karen Brunet of Cntrl+

• [0:56] Welcome to Business of the V

• [1:41] Learn more about Karen Brunet, Cntrl+, and Cntrl+ LinkedIn

• [2:08] Karen’s history with endometriosis, PCOS, and delayed diagnosis

• [2:42] Onset of stress urinary incontinence following childbirth

• [3:07] Treatment options offered: surgery, pessaries, or pads

• [4:36] Defining stress urinary incontinence and why it is so prevalent

• [5:34] Emotional, social, and lifestyle consequences of bladder leaks

• [6:12] Gaps in existing incontinence products

• [6:56] Designing a bladder support device that moves with the body

• [7:56] How Cntrl+ supports the urethra during physical strain

• [8:22] Materials, flexibility, and water-activated slipperiness

• [9:41] Self-sizing, insertion guidance, and learning curve

• [10:58] Pelvic organ prolapse considerations and candidacy guidelines

• [13:24] Incontinence prevalence among runners and female athletes

• [13:53] Clinical study results and FDA clearance process

• [15:15] Vaginal estrogen compatibility and safety considerations

• [16:48] Today’s Hot Flash and other stats from Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic

• [18:34] Go-to-market strategy and telehealth prescribing model

• [21:25] Usage lifespan, refills, and daily versus activity-based use

• [25:46] Adding a removal string to improve comfort and usability

• [28:39] Using humor and storytelling to destigmatize bladder health

• [31:53] Launch timing, pricing, and where to find Cntrl+

• [33:35] Subscribe to Business of the V and learn more at BusinessOfTheV.com 

What is Business of the V?

Dr. Alyssa Dweck & Rachel Braun Scherl are here to introduce you to the most fascinating inventors, investors, thought leaders, and healthcare professionals who are in the Business of the V. If you are a woman, know a woman, have a business, or care about your v health and wellness, this is the podcast for you.

Who are Dr. Alyssa Dweck & Rachel Braun Scherl?

Dr. Alyssa Dweck is a gynecologist, surgeon, and author. She’s an expert on V health who explores what’s on other women’s minds when it comes to periods, hormones, breasts, butts, and sex.

Rachel Braun Scherl is a marketing strategist, business builder, and vagipreneur - a person in the business of women’s sexual and reproductive health. It’s complicated!