Adult Incontinence isn’t something that people generally like to discuss but it is more common than you think. I have quite a few friends who say that since having their children, they can’t laugh like they used to without crossing their legs or run around in the garden with confidence. Thankfully, for me, this has only happened twice that I can remember since having the Beans but I try my hardest to do my pelvic floor exercises as often as I can.
It can happen to anyone
A Quality of Life study carried out by Always Discreet has revealed some interesting statistics. People wrongly assume that adult incontinence only affects women who have had children and the elderly but it can, in fact, happen to women at any age for many reasons including childbirth, the menopause or strenuous exercise. Many will then avoid exercise for fear of having an ‘accident’ again which can lead to weight gain, making the condition worse and adding to their stress, low self-esteem and body confidence.
Sensitive bladder?
You’re one of 12 milllion UK women. Dr Sarah Jarvis (GP) explains:
In an age where celebrities seem happy to bare all and share all, adult incontinence seems to be one of the last taboos in our society. The results of this study reveal the true impact that one-third of the female population in the UK is currently suffering, often in silence, with a condition wrongly associated with elderly women.
Adult Incontinence affects one in three women over the age of 18 in the UK and of those women, 51% have struggled with depression, 48% regularly feel bad about themselves and 65% feel embarrassed.
Sleep disturbance
As a result of their condition sufferers are likely to experience disturbed sleep. They often feel too embarrassed to tell their partners, family and friends. Then there is the physical side which affects sexual relationships with more than 26% of women saying that it has had a negative impact on their sexual intimacy with their partner, 25% say that their bladder sensitivity problems cause problems with their other halves and 70% worry that they may smell as a result of their problem.
Help is at hand
Many women are ashamed of their condition, choosing to downplay or completely ignore the problem. A lot of people with AI use improvised solutions, like using sanitary pads or wearing more underpants, over the logical solution of using adult incontinence pads. The reaction is understandable, considering how little most people understand about adult incontinence. Consulting your health-care provider can help women understand their condition better and help dispel their embarrassment of having AI and using incontinence protection products.
Findin the right product
Dr Jarvis continues:
“The embarrassment which these women feel suffering from a condition they can’t ever talk about has a real knock-on effect on their social life – whether exercising or taking long car trips – and on their relationships with their partners.”
The study also revealed that 67% of women were using the wrong product out of embarrassment and confusion over the products available with over half of them compromising with sanitary pads and frequent changes of clothes.
“Women with AI tend to keep the problem to themselves for years without discussing it with anyone, even their family doctor or gynaecologist. They don’t always realise that help is available and that there are the right products out there that offer the comfort and protection women need to live life to the full” explains Dr Jarvis.
For nine years Always Discreet have been working hard researching and product testing with thousands of women to develop their new range of liners and pads which are up to 40% thinner than the leading brand whilst absorbing two times more than women may need and pants which provide 100% comfort, protection and therefore confidence.
