Two thirds of women over 40 are currently SUFFERING with bladder leakage – with many feeling EMBARRASSED and DEPRESSED as a direct result, a study found. The condition, which can be caused by childbirth and often develops as women get older, is believed to affect MILLIONS of females - of all ages.
Nine in 10 sufferers said it has had a ‘major impact’ on their quality of life - and a tenth said bladder leakage has caused them to endure depression.
Despite this, only three in 10 of those aged 40 plus have been to see a healthcare professional after suffering bladder leaks. And three in five have the kept the condition SECRET from their partners - or haven’t been ‘completely open with them’ about the extent of their suffering.
Commissioned by pelvic floor muscle trainer Pelviva, the research of 2,000 women aged 40 and over found the thoughts of 17 per cent of sufferers are ‘dominated’ by bladder leaks.
Julia Herbert, consultant physiotherapist and clinical director for Pelviva said: "Bladder leakage is a health issue which affects millions of women of all ages across the UK." Pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes associated with the menopause and putting on weight are some of the many causes of bladder leakage due to weakening pelvic floor muscles. These issues are more commonly experienced by older women, but it can just as easily affect someone in their 30s or even younger. "Despite this high prevalence, bladder leakage is still seen as something of a taboo for women to discuss – they may find it hard to talk with their friends, family or even their partner, which is a perception we’d like to see change." The research also found one in 10 don’t feel they’re able to enjoy life fully as a result of the condition.
Seventy per cent said they have suffered bladder leakage when they have laughed, coughed or sneezed. And one in three have experienced symptoms when running, jumping or engaging in other physical activities. To try and combat bladder leakage, 23 per cent of sufferers said they are careful with how much they drink and 30 per cent always plan toilet stops while travelling.
One third make sure to wear absorbent pads and one in twenty even make effort to wear clothes which hides the fact they may have had ‘an accident’. And a quarter said bladder leakage issues make them feel older than they really are. Further to this, eight in 10 suspect more women suffer from bladder leakage than would actually admit it in public.
Of those who have sought out medical help for their condition, 21 per cent went to see their GP and five per cent have seen a gynaecologist.
Dr Donna McVey, Medical Director at Pelviva said: "Being told to go away and do your pelvic floor muscle exercises is not helpful as medical evidence shows as many as 50 per cent of women can’t do their own pelvic floor muscle exercises correctly." "This is through no fault of their own they simply do not have the connection to the pelvic floor.1,2"
The Pelviva survey carried out through OnePoll found, although 96 per cent of women have heard of pelvic floor exercises, only 10 per cent actually do them regularly. A fifth said they’re not sure if they know how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly and 23 per cent have attempted them but didn’t notice any improvement.
Julia Herbert, Physiotherapist and Clinical Director from Pelviva said: “Pelvic floor exercises are a simple but oft-overlooked treatment for bladder leakage. "The Pelviva treatment has been designed to train your pelvic floor muscles correctly, and is completely automated and simple to use."
Andrew Tasker, CEO of Femeda Ltd who developed Pelviva, added: "As the research shows, bladder leakage affects millions of women, leaving them to suffer in silence with emotional and psychological issues. However, there are ways to reduce the symptoms helping women to life their lives to the full. It’s so important women aren’t burdened with this condition and Pelviva is one way they can stop feeling this way.”
Pelviva is a disposable pelvic floor muscle trainer which works naturally with the body, making the pelvic floor muscles contract, restoring speed and strength to the Pelvic Floor to control bladder leaks if you cough, sneeze or exercise and if you urgently need the toilet.
Pelviva is available direct to consumers from www.pelviva.com and will soon to be available in selected pharmacies.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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