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Parenting on Female First
A new study, conducted by Always Discreet - revolutionary products for bladder leak protection - has revealed the real impact of Adult Incontinence (AI) on the daily lives of over 3.5 million British women.
The study, conducted in association with IPSOS, has revealed that despite 1 in 3 UK women over the age of 18 suffering from bladder sensitivity 3 in 4 women hold back from talking to their healthcare professional about it. As well as feeling older and isolated by sensitive bladder, the condition can also affect how attractive women feel; 42% feel less attractive or feminine, nearly half (44%) lack the confidence to wear the clothes they want to wear and sensitive bladder ranks as one of the top reasons they feel older, along with grey hair and wrinkles.
With pregnancy and childbirth both significant causal factors for a weakened pelvic floor and AI, we caught up with campaign ambassador and practicing GP Dr. Sarah Jarvis to get her top tips on taking care of your sensitive bladder. She explained: 'Not being able to dress, travel, exercise or live the way you want can be an everyday experience for so many women. Not only that, but even though 1 in 3 women in the UK over the age of 18 experience the condition, it is still wrongly associated with old age and this misperception can leave women feeling embarrassed, alone and much older than they really are. However, there is help at hand, such as Always Discreet, that provides women with bladder leaks with the protection and discretion they really need.'
Top tips for taking care of your 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. Millions of 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.
Keep hydrated.
BYE, BYE BARISTA
Caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks could be your new worst enemies- they can irritate a sensitive bladder. Everyone with sensitive bladder could benefit from cutting down on alcohol. If your symptoms include needing to rush to the loo, try limiting those coffees, teas and carbonated beverages for a week or two to see if it helps.
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.
Breaking the Silence
Always Discreet is working with documentary maker Flora Berkeley to create a film, inspired by real women's stories that will lift the lid on the hidden impact of AI and help break the silence on the last taboo in women's health. Flora says: "The relief that women with AI feel when they are able to talk about their condition and share their story is incredible; it reassures them that they are not alone and removes the debilitating stigma and embarrassment so many women suffer with. I'm proud to join Always Discreet on its mission to break the silence around sensitive bladder and empower women to live the life they want without fear"
Watch and share your story to help break the silence by visiting: www.alwaysdiscreetstories.com
Always Discreet, the product of extensive consumer research and testing, is designed with women's needs in mind. The brand offers a collection of liners and pads that are ultra-thin while absorbing 2x more than women may need*, as well as underwear that gives them up to 100%** protection and discretion. These revolutionary product benefits, give women the confidence to live everyday to their fullest potential with nothing holding them back products come in a design that is so discreet, it can help restore those feelings of femininity and attractiveness.
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