Over half of women feel their daily life has changed – due to bladder leaks

Over half of British women feel their day-to-day life has changed, with many experiencing a knock to their confidence – after dealing with bladder leaks, a study has found.

The issue affects one in three women in the UK, with a fifth not feeling confident in how to manage it.

More than a third (37%) feel they have been held back from taking part in activities on holiday, or doing other things they love, due to incontinence problems.

And over a fifth (22%) avoid long car journeys, while 23% drink less water, for fear of leakages.

But over half (54%), of the 1,500 women polled, believe the condition is more common than people think, but is not widely spoken about.

And now, reality TV star Gemma Collins has opened up about her own struggles with bladder leakage, ever since her infamous fall in 2017 at the Radio 1 Teen Awards.

The 42-year-old star of The Only Way Is Essex, who has teamed up with Always Discreet – which commissioned the research – said: “I was so surprised to find out how many women are experiencing bladder leaks, me included.

“In the past, I’ve held back on doing things I enjoy – like trampolining, working out, or dancing the night away with friends – because I was worried about bladder leaks.

“Since learning that pelvic floor exercises can help to manage leaks, plus using Always Discreet pads for those moments when I need more protection, I no longer have to hold back.

“I’m here to help women across the UK know that they don’t have to never let bladder leaks ruin the fun!”

The research also found more than a tenth (14%) of those who experience leaks even work out less, and 18% report anxiety around sex.

Emma Gerrard, from Always Discreet UK, added: “We’re on a mission to unleash women’s confidence, so they can live life to the fullest – without compromise.

“We want to raise awareness that bladder leaks can be experienced by women of all ages, not just in older generations and by those who have experienced childbirth.

“Gemma shares our passion for wanting to let the one in three women who experience bladder leaks know that they are not alone, and that there is help available to them.

“By speaking out about her personal experiences, Gemma is helping to spread the word about how to manage bladder leaks with products that offer strong protection, and the importance of pelvic floor exercises.

“As a first step, if you have any concerns regarding bladder weakness, or pelvic floor discomfort, we always recommend speaking to your GP.”

Source: Read Full Article