Did you know that 1 in 3 women over the age of 18 experience a condition at some point in their lives, and for millions of women, it is pregnancy and child birth that bring about this condition?
This condition is bladder sensitivity or adult incontinence.
Adult incontinence is one of the last taboos of pregnancy if not motherhood. The fact of the matter is that a lot of women experience this, making a wide spread condition. The issue is that we as women just don’t speak about it. Today, Always Discreet have released new research which reveals millions of British women are feeling older than their years which is in direct contrast to their peers who. In fact 1 in 5 UK women say they feel younger than the age stated on their passport, however 42% of women with frequent bladder leaks agree that the condition makes them feel older.
The study reveals that as well as women feeling older and isolated by sensitive bladder, the condition can also affect how attractive women feel, with 42% feeling less attractive or feminine, and 44% saying they can’t remember the last time they had sex. Further highlights from the report include:
• Nearly half (44%) lack the confidence to wear the clothes they want to wear
• 1 in 3 (37%) would exercise more if they didn’t have regular bladder leaks
• 3 in 4 women hold back from talking to their healthcare professional about urinary incontinence
• Sensitive bladder ranks as one of the top reasons they feel older, along with grey hair and wrinkles.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, practicing GP and Always Discreet campaign ambassador comments: “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”
Always Discreet for sensitive bladder believes that every woman should be able to live the age they feel inside with nothing holding them back. Here are some top tips from our Always Discreet ambassadors to help women feel empowered to live life to the full, every day.
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.
Top tips for taking care of your sensitive bladder whilst exercising: Body Control Pilates founder, Lynne Robinson
KEEP MOVING!
Pilates, yoga, cycling, tai chi, brisk and Nordic walking are all great low impact activities that will keep you fit.
AVOID THE CRUNCHES
Strong abdominal exercises can put too much pressure on your pelvic floor. Opt for gentler core exercises instead, to keep your abdominals in shape.
DO YOUR PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES DAILY
By practicing at least three times a day, these exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and give you more control when you need it. If you’re not sure how to do them, speak to your doctor or visit www.alwaysdiscreet.co.uk.
WALK, STAND, SIT TALL
Be aware of your posture whilst you exercise and go about your daily activities. Slouching inhibits your deep core muscles from working properly.
BREATHE BETTER
Learn to breathe more efficiently with Pilates or yoga. Never hold your breath while exercising as this puts pressure on your pelvic floor.
LIFT CAREFULLY
We perform many of our daily activities without consciously thinking about our movements. Stand square and close, bend from your knees and hips, keeping your back straight.
Top tips for embracing ageless style with confidence: from Style Expert and That’s Not My Age founder, Alyson Walsh
A STRONG SHOE = A STRONG OUTFIT
Wearing comfortable shoes will help you stride down the street with confidence. And the good news is that comfy is no longer a byword for ugly; brilliant colours, metallic leather and mannish styles look and feel fantastic. Try brogues, penny loafers or pointed flats.
That said, the other good fashion news is that kitten heel is back – a low heel, that you can actually walk in, will add an elegant touch to any outfit. After all, no one ever looked glamorous when their feet hurt.
Let’s talk tailoring
Well-fitted clothes are a quick and easy route to feeling confident; no need to faff, hoick, or worry that seams are going to grin. Tailoring is a great way to flatter the figure in all the right areas; bust, waist and hips.
For casual glamour, wear a tuxedo jacket over a t-shirt, try a denim jacket over a shift dress or roll-up a blazer sleeve to artfully show a flash of silk blouse.
Nod to the trend
Ageless style isn’t about jumping blindly from one trend to another; it’s about staying modern by making a subtle nod to the season. Try a pussy bow blouse, a polo neck sweater or go khaki crazy. The many shades of military are a good way to manoeuvre into autumn. This is the new neutral, the colour of the season that is far more flattering than black.
Stand out in colour
Bold is beautiful! Try out your favourite items – a pair of Capri pants or a tunic dress – in brighter shades, like: hot pink, burnt orange and pillar box red. These colours will brighten up a winter complexion, look amazing with grey hair and boost your confidence.
FiND the right clothes
Confidence comes from finding the right clothes, the styles and shapes that work for you. Spend time finding fail-safe basics in good fabrics that fit and flatter and can always be relied upon; the perfect pair of jeans, a great white shirt, a figure-flattering jacket. Then pep them up with a pair of chandelier earrings or a faux fur collar and a bold lipstick – adding the finishing touches to your wardrobe favourites is the easiest way to stay stylish forever.
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