When researching this piece, we were surprised at some of the facts and the figures related to adult incontinence.
It tends to be more common in women that in men. There is an assumption that the condition only affects elderly women but the reality is it can become a problem at any age.
While it might be a minor issue for some, many feel that adult incontinence has a negative impact on confidence.
Adult incontinence, often referred to as AI, is not a subject widely spoken about but it is a widespread issue nonetheless, affecting one in three European women over the age of 18 to be exact.
A survey conducted by Always Discreet, reveals that 49% of those surveyed say they feel depressed as a result of their condition, 59% feel anxious and nervous most of the time, 48% experience negative thoughts about themselves, and 63% feel embarrassed.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, a regular contributor to BBC One’s The One Show explained: “In an age where celebrities seem happy to bare all and share all, adult incontinence seems to be one of the last taboos in our society. The results of this study reveal the true impact that one third of the female population in Europe is currently suffering, often in silence, with a condition wrongly associated with elderly women.”
Contributing factors to adult incontinence include weight gain, strenuous exercise, childbirth and the menopause.
Dr Sarah Jarvis said that many women feel they can’t talk about this condition
Not only does AI affect people physically and emotionally, it also has a negative impact on relationships. 33% of the women surveyed admitted to the fact that the condition affects sexual intimacy with their partners.
33% also went on to say that bladder sensitivity causes relationship problems with their other halves and 63% of women fear they might smell due to this condition.
“The embarrassment which these women feel suffering with a condition they can’t ever talk about has a real knock-on effect on their social life – whether exercising or taking long car trips – and on their relationships with their partners” revealed Dr Jarvis.
However, there are ways and means of dealing with this condition and Always Discreet is one option designed for those suffering from female incontinence.
It comes in four different varieties, so depending on the level of incontinence you are suffering from there is a product that should work.
While some feel there is a stigma attached to the condition and it’s something to be embarrassed about, by talking about it and sharing experiences it’s no longer a taboo subject.
Giving her professional opinion Dr Jarvis said “Women with AI tend to keep the problem to themselves for years without discussing it with anyone, even their family doctor or gynaecologist. They don’t always realise that help is available and that there are the right products out there that offer the comfort and protection women need to live life to the full”.
