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Health on Female First
Research shows that three quarters of women in the UK are choosing 'safe' underwear because they have a fear or urine leakage. The research revealed that 89% of women don't feel confident being seen in their underwear.
The research marks the launch of UROSTEMOL FEMINA, a herbal product traditionally used to relieve symptoms of weak and overactive bladder. 2,000 women over 40 were polled and one of the main reasons they were insecure about their underwear was that over a quarter of those polled need to wear incontinence pads.
Approximately 13 million people, around 4 million men and 9 million women have a bladder problem like a weak or overactive bladder, conditions that leave sufferers having a frequent and urgent need to urinate, or experiencing urinary leakage. A possible national concern, this is the UK's second biggest health worry when it comes to getting older, beaten only by joint troubles. With 44% of the population saying they're nervous about losing control of their bodily functions, this comes ahead of diabetes (21%) and even heart problems (39%).
UROSTEMOL FEMINA is part of the new UROSTEMOL range, an over the counter licensed herbal medicine for use in the relief of weak and overactive bladder, based on long standing use. The well tolerated herbal products all contain the unique Fink therapeutic pumpkin seed, which has an exceptionally high content of delta-7-sterols, believed to have a positive effect on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and offer Omega Pharma's first OTC self-medicated treatment option for those affected by such symptoms.
Dr Dawn Harper, best known for her work on TV's Embarrassing Bodies, chaired a recent summit on behalf of Urostemol, and says over active bladder is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed, she says "Although having a weak or overactive bladder is not life threatening, it is life changing for many men and women. In fact, the survey results show that 7 in 10 adults have had to make significant changes to their lifestyle because of the condition." She continues, "Not being able to wear nice underwear is just the tip of the iceberg, with toilet 'mapping', avoiding drink, dark clothing and shunning socialising all deemed necessary means of coping. The ripple effect can include anything from damaged relationships, to poor sleep, to anxiety and low self-esteem."
For many, the condition can also have a knock-on effect on their romantic life, with results showing that around four in ten people affected (37%) claim their bladder challenges have caused problems in their relationship. Communication between partners can suffer, as well as sex life because the person affected no longer feels desirable or attractive. This may lead to a decreased libido or lack of sex drive. In spite of the above, however, results show that one in three still refuses to speak to a healthcare professional until they think their wee problems have become 'really bad'.
Nathalie Beckers, Brand Manager of UROSTEMOL, says "Up until now, OTC treatment options for lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder have been very limited. People have either had to put up with symptoms or use prescription medicines, which are often associated with considerable side effects. New UROSTEMOL is an OTC range that has been traditionally used to relieve complaints like frequent and urgent urination, frequent night-time urination and urinary incontinence, and offers an alternative treatment option for the 13 million people in the UK who have to live with these symptoms every day."
The UROSTEMOL range offers products for all LUTS related to over active bladder and bladder weakness and is available exclusively at Boots. Tailor made products are available for both men and women.
Tagged in Health Lifestyle Women's Health