The Olympics can be an inspirational time, with thousands of Brits dusting off their P.E. kits and heading back out to get fit and reach new sporting heights. Yet, for new mums, restarting exercise isn’t as simple as buying a new pair of trainers, as new research from FemTech brand Contrelle reveals.
Bladder leakage impacts two-thirds of women surveyed and their likelihood to exercise – with 40% saying they were anxious about exercising because of the fear of leakage, 33% saying there are some forms of exercise they avoid and 26% saying they would like to exercise more but don’t because of the worry. 3% said they had stopped exercising because of leakage.
Those numbers may be surprising but only because we are not talking about this common issue through embarrassment, fear or other reasons we keep to ourselves. Women’s intimate health is still whispered about or even dodged but it is a real issue for real women.
After having three children I am definitely in the weak bladder camp and it has impacted me when participating in sport. Many types of exercise are cited as being a concern for women because of leakage, with trampolining being most likely to be named with a massive 53% of women naming this as a potentially problematic form of exercise. Running, gym classes and dancing for exercise were also highlighted as worrying by more than 30% of women surveyed. I go to Zuu Fit Gloucester which is a mix of body weights, weights and Taki. The training is intense and involves lots of jumping, running, squatting and more. This type of fitness has resulted in bladder leakage for me and after a few wines, another couple of friends shared they too experience bladder weakness as a regular occurrence.
To lose urine during physical activity or sport is not normal and it creates a barrier to women’s participation in sport and fitness activities. Therefore, it may be a threat to women’s health, self-esteem and well-being. In fact, studies have shown that up to 20% of women have reported quitting physical exercise due to incontinence. Those who have continued to exercise have resorted to measures such as wearing black clothing, or limiting their training to times and places with fewer people around.
If this is resonating with you then Contrelle could be the answer, because it is treating the condition rather than simply managing the symptoms. The new product has revolutionised women’s lives, enabling them to re-engage in exercise, take part in sport, run, swim, go to the gym. Managing the symptoms of SUI at the source provides women with a new level of freedom and confidence.
Ash Monga is a consultant urogynecologist based at Southampton University Trust. He says, “Many women find pads uncomfortable or unsuitable, especially when seeking a solution to SUI and particularly when exercising. Contrelle is discreet and it can be used by the majority of suffers as and when needed, in combination with pelvic floor exercises or when waiting for surgery.”
I have tried out the Contrelle during an exercise class and immediately felt more confident. In addition to feeling mentally more confident it also physically kept me dry. Using Contrelle was easy to insert, it is very similar to a tampon but requires. a little prep before popping it in. You can still go to the toilet whilst wearing it and I did actually forget I was wearing it by the time I got home.
I honestly feel that this could be a game-changer and I look forward to continuing to use the Contrelle and experiencing its benefits. If you like me have experienced bladder leakage during sports it is definitely worth a try.
To ensure the fit is just right, Contrelle customers start with a sizing kit to establish the correct fit for them. Sizing kit RRP is £7.50, follow on packs in different sizes start at £18.75 for a 5-pack or a 30-pack for £90.
