We’ve all been there haven’t we, that feeling when you can’t wait any longer to go to the loo. The feeling that your bladder might eventually burst and you simply can’t concentrate on anything else until you have managed to reach a loo to relieve yourself. Now imagine what it must be like if you absolutely can’t hang on, even for a couple of minutes. Imagine how that would impact on your daily life and how disruptive it might be, as well as embarassing. It’s known as Adult Incontinence and is more common than you might think (unless you are suffering from this yourself).
A new clinical study from Always® Discreet reveals that bladder sensitivity affects 1 in 3 women in the UK. They have now launched research as part of a campaign to drive awareness of this taboo health issue.
The study reveals that of the estimated 12 million women in Britain who experience the previously ‘unspoken’ condition, over half (51%) have struggled with depression, 48% regularly feel bad about themselves and two thirds (65%) feel embarrassed.
The research also goes on to reveal the physical impact of the condition:
Two thirds (61%) of women experiencing bladder sensitivity are likely to suffer from disturbed sleep patterns.
Almost all (94%) feel exhausted by a condition that many still feel they have to keeo hidden from their partners, family and friends.
43% of women experience urinary loss when they are physically active or exercising and as a result, 18% never exercise.
In fact, this common phenomenon can happen to women at any age for many reasons including: childbirth the menopause or strenuous exercise. With many AI sufferers then avoiding the latter, they may then experience weight gain, which in turn becomes a trigger, only adding to feelings of low self-esteem and body confidence.
A third of UK women’s sex lives are impacted by sensitive bladder
As well as unearthing the physical and mental impact of sensitive bladder, the research also reveals the negative effects the condition has on women’s relationships:
More than a quarter (26%) of the women surveyed admitted to the fact that the condition is affecting sexual intimacy with their partners.
1 in 4 (25%) also went on to say that bladder sensitivity causes relationship problems with their other halves.
More than two thirds (70%) spend time worrying that they might smell.
Dr Jarvis continues: “The embarrassment which these women feel suffering with 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.”
Empowering women to take back control
“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.
New Always Discreet for Sensitive Bladders has been developed following nine years of research and product testing by thousands of women. This new range includes liners and pads that are thinner (up to 40 per cent*) than the leading brand, while absorbing two times more than women may need** and pants that provide up to 100% comfort and protection. Thus, Always gives women the confidence they deserve.
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