We Need To Talk About Women’s Incontinence

Taryn Davies
Published: July 4, 2019

Did you know that 7 out of 10 women experience issues with weak bladders and incontinence? A recent study has shown that, whilst the subject of incontinence in women is usually found in older women, around 1 in 3 women aged 18-24 also experience issues with the subject. 

On top of this, around 16% of these women suffer from incontinence once a day. This leads to issues with leaving the house, feeling uncomfortable in company, and avoiding social situations entirely. While coughing and laughing are common triggers for incontinence, 13% of women who suffer from incontinence have also noted that heavy lifting and exercise can also contribute to the problem. While wearing Incontinence Pads can help, the issue still remains.

“Unfortunately, it’s still a bit of a taboo subject, and so women don’t tend to fully understand it and end up avoiding the subject. The more we speak openly, the better, so women don’t feel alone and silenced by something that can be managed.” - Dr Anita Mitra  

The study, by Always Discreet, involved around 2000 women and found that half of them felt uncomfortable and awkward talking to loved ones about the condition and that a staggering one in four women had not sought professional help for their bladder weakness. 

Sadly, a third of the women polled in the study admitted that it had taken more than a year to admit that there was a problem and that 6 in 10 of these women felt embarrassed and ashamed to talk about their issues with others. 

As a result of the study, Always Discreet paired up with Dr Anita Mitra, a noted gynaecologist, in order to get more women talking about the condition. 

“Bladder leaks are common in women of all ages, not just in older generations and those women who have had natural childbirths.” Dr Anita Mitra

41% of those in the study blamed childbirth for their incontinence, a pairing which has been made in the past. The menopause is also considered a factor in incontinence, along with too much caffeine and alcohol. 

Some of the most common reasons keeping women quiet on the matter include feelings of shame, and not wanting to burden others with their problems. In fact, many in the study agreed that talking about money, relationship issues and weight gain would be more prudent conversation topics than incontinence. 

 “Always Discreet is on a mission to break the silence on bladder leaks and normalise the conversation.” - Always Discreet Spokesperson 

Now you can join the conversation too, for every like or comment on the #WeeNeedToTalk campaign video on YouTube from 4th to 18th July, they will donate £1 to help fund a Confidential Advice Line so that more women can get the advice and support they need.