It’s true – since becoming mums our bladders are not what they once were and now a new documentary is lifting the lid on the last taboo in women’s health – adult incontinence.
Championed by the good folks at Always Discreet the documentary delivers the incredible message that a whopping 1 in 3 women in the UK suffer from incontinence. That means probably you or someone very close to you. But yet we keep it under wraps.
So let’s just take a moment to reflect on that 1 in 3 figure with a brief vlog by myself, Mumsy Mum and Less Refined Mind who recently joined me at the documentary screening…
“If another woman can be open about it, I can be open about it too, there’s no shame in it”, Sandra Small, age 53.
However, silenced by shame, nearly half (45%) of sufferers admit that sensitive bladder affects their happiness, leaving them feeling embarrassed, alone and trapped in a body much older than their years damaging their self-esteem, with 42% admitting to feeling less attractive and feminine and up to half of all women experiencing negative thoughts about themselves because of the condition.
“I wanted to talk about it, definitely. I wanted for someone else to say ‘its ok, its fine’, but I didn’t”, Corali Sacerdote, 44, Pilates Teacher.
Out of the 100s of women who were consulted on this issue, only five – yes FIVE – were willing to talk openly about it on camera – a figure which speaks volumes about the unnecessary shame so many women feel about this subject and their condition. Watch them speak up in the full documentary here:
So while we’re talking about normalising AI, let’s talk some top tips on what to do if you have a sensitive bladder, from Campaign Ambassador and GP Dr Sarah Jarvis:
IT’S GOOD TO TALK
Share how you are feeling with someone. If you feel too embarrassed to speak to a loved one then set up an appointment with your GP. 1 in 3 women in the UK suffer from sensitive bladder, you are not alone and there is help available.
SET A SCHEDULE
Your bladder is trainable: if you’re troubled by needing to pass water very often and needing to rush to the toilet, talk with your doctor about a daily schedule to build up your bladder’s holding capacity. Remember; allow your bladder to empty completely each time you go to the toilet.
DRINK JUST ENOUGH
There’s no need to avoid drinking in order to reduce the urge to visit the bathroom. Limiting your water intake makes your urine more concentrated, which boost your chances of bladder irritation.
BYE, BYE BARISTA
Caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks could be your new worst enemies. So try limiting those coffees, teas and carbonated beverages for a week or two to see if it helps – they can irritate a sensitive bladder.
REGULAR RELAXATION
If you experience anxiety, worry and concern because of your sensitive bladder, mental relaxation can be a very valuable aid. Avoid worrying about problems excessively. Deliberately include activities in your daily life that bring you pleasure for example meeting friends, going to the cinema or taking a walk.
STAY COMFORTABLE & PROTECTED
Wear a product that has the right protection for you. The innovative design of New Always Discreet line –up is tailored to fit the needs of all women with a sensitive bladder
So, there’s a start – our first move towards breaking the silence around adult incontinence – just imagine the difference if we all put our voices to it.
For more advice on adult incontinence and product information visit the Always Discreet website here.
*This post is in collaboration with Always Discreet. All opinions are my own.
Great tips and I think it is brave of those women to actually speak out about this, it is such a taboo subject. I am amazed that it is so common xx
Is so great to see people talking about such a taboo. Congrats on you for putting everyone talking about it!
Great tips its such a taboo subject and think as its so common more people need to talk bout it.
Some great tips. You’re right it’s one of the last taboos but incredibly common.
Lovely post. I like the fact that you are raising awareness about this.
I used to wonder if I was actually, but thankfully it doesn’t happen too often. I can’t even remember the last time I had one. But like everything else, it’s good to be talked about, not something to be ashamed about.
Great post and tips 🙂 I know it is not something that get covered much…
I never understand why the most common issues like this are always taboo. So many women suffer from incontinence after childbirth – must get doing those pelvic floor exercises!
Great post and tips – it is always good to talk about these things. I don’t suffer generally, thank goodness. Kaz x
I am quite lucky that even after six children that I am ok (so far) – need to remember to do my pelvic floor though
I am thankful to say I don’t suffer with incontinence but a friend of mine does and it can be awkward for her x
I don’t have kids yet and I have this problem even though it’s small issue for me at the moment I worry about the future. I need to start doing some exercises for it
I had no idea the number was that great. I should be doing more exercises to help me x
I didn’t realise so many women suffered with this. I think it’s great that we are starting to be honest about these issues