Time to break
the taboo
It can also have a big
effect on relationships.
According to a survey
by Innovo, 23% of
women say that bladder
problems have led to
less sex, while almost
half haven’t confided
in anyone about their
symptoms, even their partners,
found Always Discreet.
‘Bladder weakness can have
a profound impact on intimate
relationships,’ says Dr Arroll. ‘But
psychological research shows that
honest communication improves quality
of life in those with embarrassing
symptoms – so it has to change.’
So why is such a common issue
still considered a taboo topic?
‘It’s an invisible illness and invisible
illnesses are often stigmatised,’ says
Dr Arroll. ‘But discussing bladder
weakness openly and honestly is the
first step to getting lasting help for this
treatable condition.’
Here’s all you need to know...
What causes
bladder weakness?
The pelvic floor, which supports your
bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus,
consists of muscles and ligaments,
which contract and relax to help bowel
and bladder movements – a weakness
in these muscles leads to problems.
It can be caused by childbirth, damage
to the bladder, neurological
conditions (such as multiple
sclerosis), and even
a chronic cough or
high-impact sports.
But the menopause
can make it worse.
‘Hormonal changes
during the menopause
can mean that our muscle
strength can diminish,’ says
pelvic-floor specialist Jane Wake
( janewake.com). ‘Over 50% of all
women experiencing menopause
suffer from incontinence as a result.’The different types
Stress incontinence: ‘Caused by
weak pelvic-floor muscles, this is where
you may leak when you lift, run, jump,
cough, laugh or sneeze,’ says pelvic
health physiotherapist Elaine Miller.
Urge incontinence: ‘As well as leaking,
you also have an intense urge to
urinate,’ says Elaine.
Active bladder syndrome: ‘This is
where you feel an urgent need to go
to the toilet more than eight times
a day,’ says Elaine. ‘Often it’s to do
with feeling anxious about having an
accident, so you start to go more often.
After a while, the bladder muscle
becomes overactive and contracts
when you don’t want it too.’
Ask your GP for medication and
to refer you to a specialist to have
bladder training.Bladder issues
at night?
‘While we sleep, our bodies produce
antidiuretic hormone (ADH),’ says Elaine.
‘This allows you to retain more fluid
during the night. After menopause, we
produce less ADH so you may find
yourself waking up to go to the loo.
Once a night is considered normal.
Needing to go more than twice is called
nocturia.’ See your GP – apart from
causing sleep loss, nocturia may also1
4 ways
to regain control
Lose weight
If you’re overweight,
shedding the pounds can
reduce pressure on your bladder.2
Don’t smoke
Smoking weakens
supportive tissues, as well
as making you cough.3
Keep hydrated
Drink plenty of water, but
limit caffeine and alcohol,
which can irritate the bladder.4
Eat high fibre
Eat plenty of fibre, such
as prunes, to avoid
constipation, which can interfere
with normal bladder emptying.‘It happened to me...’
Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha, 54
‘The first time I wet myself I was on a
roller coaster. You think, ‘Oh, I won’t go
on a roller coaster again.’ Then you start
making a list of all the things you can’t
do. Soon, my list was massive.
Having an involuntary gush
can leave you feeling
vulnerable and embarrassed.
After speaking to a friend,
she suggested Innovo
(£249, myinnovo.com).The system looks like cycling shorts
and uses neuro-electrical muscle
stimulation technology, which helps to
contract the pelvic floor. After 8-10
weeks, I felt I had the pelvic floor that
I had pre-menopause.
Since becoming leak-free, I’ve
regained the confidence and leave
the house without fear.’
%Nadia is supporting Innovo’s ‘Let’s
Pee Honest’ to help break the bladder
weakness taboo. Visit myinnovo.com.71%
of women won’t even
talk to their GP about
bladder leaks, says
Always Direct.