It probably isn’t the first topic of conversation you’d bring up over a coffee – but millions of women across the country live with little leaks.
Yes, we’re talking about the pesky problem of bladder weakness.
Research shows an incredible one in three women over the age of 35 will experience the problem at some point in their lives, with 60% of women experiencing it either during or after pregnancy – making it more common than hay fever!
But millions of women will keep their condition a secret for years before asking for help – letting a weak bladder hold them back from doing the things they love. A staggering 35% of females claimed to have avoided a situation that makes them laugh due to bladder weakness.
The NHS estimates that up to 9 million people in the UK may suffer from some form of urinary incontinence – proving it’s actually a condition that affects both young and old, for a variety of reasons.
That’s why Boot Staydry, who have been caring for those experiencing bladder weakness since 2002, are on a mission to break the taboo and help anyone who may be suffering in silence.
We’ve teamed up with the recently relaunched Boots Staydry and adult incontinence specialist nurse Joanne Spence to answer five of the most commonly asked questions about the condition – kicking off with the surprising piece of counterintuitive advice that can reduce your need to go to the loo so often…
Q: Should I change the amount of water I drink?
A: Aim to drink between 1.5 and 2 litres (about three pints) at regular intervals throughout the day.
Reducing your fluid intake won’t necessarily reduce the amount of urine you pass.
In fact, if you drink less, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the lining of the bladder and make you feel like you need to go more often.
Q: Should I cut back on caffeine and alcohol?
A: Caffeinated fluids such as tea, coffee and fizzy drinks will irritate the bladder. Better choices include water and diluted drinks.
Q: How can I reduce the pressure on my bladder?
A: Keeping active, eating a healthy balanced diet and quitting smoking will all help reduce the amount of pressure you put on your bladder.
If you do all of these things, it can help improve the health of your bladder.
Q: What exercises can I do to help?
A: Pelvic floor exercises are a great way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder and can help you regain control.
There are lots of top tips and a video for pelvic floor exercises on the Boots Staydry website here!
Q: Which incontinence product should I buy?
A: There are a number of different products out there that offer different levels of protection and it is important to select the right product that suits your individual needs.
- For more information on living with incontinence, and to view the full Staydry range, visit boots.com/staydry – or for free advice, call the Boots Staydry careline on 0800 072 3899.
Please do remember that incontinence can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition and if you have any concerns about any type of incontinence or your symptoms, you should speak to your GP.