South West women suffer childbirth related incontinence in silence

Women in the South West are suffering in silence when it comes to getting help with light adult incontinence (LAI).

Also known as sensitive bladder, the condition affects more than 600,000 women in the region, with six million women over the age of 30 suffering across the UK.

Most of the problem stems from pregnancy and childbirth during which the pelvic floor is put through its paces.

Funny jokes, sneezes and slap stick situations can leave some women drying their pants under the hand dryer in the shopping centre toilets if they don’t keep up with the pelvic floor exercises.

Women in the region are the least aware of what help is available to them. A huge 74 per cent of them had less confidence in themselves because of it. This figure is much higher than the national average at a lower 60 per cent.

The condition which is treatable through building up the pelvic floor muscles during or after pregnancy affected confidence, sex lives and day-to-day living, but it seems we don’t seem to want to talk about it. In the South West only 20 per cent of women dared to tell their partner they were suffering.

Despite the condition being triggered by childbirth, a staggering 87 per cent of women thought the LAI aged them as incontinence is generally seen as something old people experience.

UK stress specialist Chartered Psychologist Dr David Lewis said:  “The fact that women with LAI reported lower levels of self-confidence and a higher level of ignorance about the treatments available than any other UK region, underlines the price they are paying for being too embarrassed to talk about their LAI. By continuing to suffer in silence these women are making it worse and becoming needlessly stressed and depressed.”

The research was carried out by Always Envive, and as a reaction to the results they have launched the Sense and Sensitivity campaign in partnership with the Wellbeing of Women charity.

Their aim is to encourage women to act on advice given to them at antenatal and postnatal consultations.

Wellbeing of Women Director, Liz Campbell, said: “Our pelvic floor muscles go through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth, which is why women are encouraged to do pelvic floor exercises.  Unfortunately, women are so busy caring for a new baby and juggling home and family life that many forget to exercise their pelvic floor.  It is therefore not surprising that so many are affected by stress incontinence after giving birth. The message has to be whatever the degree of your condition you should talk to someone and get help to manage it. Adult incontinence is not something women have to live with after having a baby.”

Fronting the campaigning is writer, broadcaster and mum to four, Ulrika Jonsson. She experienced LAI after the birth of each of her four children. Ulrika said: “I would say the first step is to talk to someone, even if you have the slightest hint of a problem. It is much, much better to deal with this sooner rather than later. If you don’t feel comfortable or confident enough to talk to a medical professional in the first instance, talk to other women, particularly those who have had children. You will be astounded to find out how common stress incontinence is and hugely relieved to know you are not alone.”

Ulrika Jonsson

Women’s health spokesperson for the Royal College of General Practitioners, Dr Sarah Jarvis said: “The message has to be that while prevention is naturally better than cure, it’s never too late to tighten up pelvic floor muscles.  They need to be given a regular work out – this means doing the exercises for about five minutes at least three times a day.  Fortunately, they can be done at the same time as something else – even while watching television!”

Dr Sarah Jarvis

Women should not be embarrassed about going to see their doctor about LAI. There are plenty of resources available to help them. There are leaflets, websites, NHS direct and over 360 NHS continence clinics across the UK.

For more information visit: www.alwaysenvive.co.uk

How to exercise the pelvic floor muscles

To make sure you are using the right group of muscles, it helps to be lying down or sitting when you first try to do the exercises.  Remember to breathe normally.

Imagine that you are trying to stop yourself passing urine and at the same time trying to stop yourself passing wind. The muscles should feel as though they ‘lift and squeeze’ at the same time.

You need to practise long and short squeezes.

Long Squeezes: Tighten your pelvic floor muscles and hold for several seconds and then relax for the same length of time. Repeat until the muscles feel tired.

Short Squeezes: Tighten your pelvic floor muscles for a second and then relax. Repeat until the muscles feel tired.

Most women eventually aim to do 10 long squeezes followed by 10 short squeezes but you need to start with what you feel suits you and gradually increase the number of repeats and the length of the hold over a few weeks