Time to talk about the worst kept secret.

Argh, what’s she saying?

I think it’s time.

Time to talk about the worst kept secret.

It seems to be the talk in the press recently, but mainly for the wrong reasons. Whilst most brands are shouting from the rooftops it’s perfectly OK to wet yourself, when it isn’t, I for one am happy to talk about this sensitive subject but think there should be a certain way it’s done.

First things first.

It happens to everyone including men. But if you’ve been keeping it a secret know that you’re not alone. Laughing, sneezing, running, swimming, jumping or even coughing can cause us to leak. Whilst some of my friends are still a bit ooh-er about discussing the topic, I think it’s fair to say I’m not bothered and want to reach out to others and let it be known, I’m here for you. It shouldn’t be embarrassing, or it shouldn’t be made to feel embarrassing, when it’s a perfectly normal thing to happen to people, yes men definitely experience it too and it can happen at any age, not just older people.

So let’s start with some facts shall we?

• 1 in 3 women experience bladder leaks.
• When the pelvic floor muscle becomes weak or damaged it isn’t strong enough to prevent the bladder from leaking.
• Weakness can occur due to childbirth, pregnancy and during menopause.
• Due to no fault of their own, many women struggle to do their pelvic floor muscles correctly.
• The NHS recommends Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises as its first line treatment- but research shows that up to 50% of women have problems doing their Pelvic Floor Exercises correctly.
• Women tend to think the only choices are panty liners & incontinence pads. Pads are expensive and do nothing to solve the problem.
• Women using incontinence pads could be spending over £400 a year.

Bladder leaks has a massive impact on women’s daily lives, significantly affecting their quality of life, but it really shouldn’t. Stop letting the P take over your life.

What is bladder leakage?

Bladder leakage means that you pass urine when you don’t mean to. It can range from a small dribble now and then, to large floods of urine. The medical term for bladder leakage is ‘urinary incontinence’ but most women don’t use the word ‘incontinence’, preferring instead to talk about bladder leakage.

Leaks may be occasional or frequent depending on the severity and type of condition. The most likely cause of bladder leakage in women is Pelvic Floor muscle weakness.

What is the pelvic floor?

All women (and men) have Pelvic Floor muscles. The Pelvic Floor is a set of muscles that sit like a hammock between your tail bone (coccyx) and pubic bone. Pelvic Floor muscles give us control over our bladder and bowel. They also support the pelvic organs and span the bottom of the pelvis.

Weakened Pelvic Floor muscles in women mean the internal organs are not fully supported which may lead to bladder leakage or symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse is when one or more of the pelvic organs (bladder, womb or bowel) press down against the vaginal wall.

What’s the solution?

Pelviva.

With Pelviva you can retrain your Pelvic Floor muscles and regain bladder control in as little as 12 weeks.

The award-winning muscle trainer has been designed with women in mind. Pelviva uses a unique technology that works naturally with the body, making the Pelvic Floor muscles contract, restoring speed and strength to the power fibres. It also trains the endurance fibres so that they ‘hold on’ when an urgent trip to the toilet is needed.

Pelviva offers a real solution – ONE combined treatment for stress, urgency and mixed bladder leakage. Great for the many women who have both types of leakage.

How does it work?

Pelviva is a disposable, single use, vaginally inserted Pelvic Floor muscle trainer that women can use at home or on the go. Pelviva exercises your Pelvic Floor muscle for you.

All you have to do – simply pull the tab, insert inside your vagina, leave for 30 minutes, remove and dispose of when convenient. Treatment is recommended every other day for a duration of 12 weeks.

I want to buy...

Pelviva is available on their website http://www.pelviva.com where they have an exclusive offer for women. Start the Pelviva experience with our special offer and gain back control. The majority of women who do the Pelviva treatment report noticeable improvements in as little as three weeks (9 Pelviva). This Pelviva treatment is on offer for £90 (Offer available until 30 October 2019. Normal price £128.85. Single purchase per person).

So what do I think of Pelviva?

I’ve used it. I’ll admit I was a little hesitant at the idea of an internal treatment but after 3 weeks I started noticing a difference. I think it’s important women feel they can have a solution and can talk about it.

Why am I using it?

Few reasons..

• I’ll admit I was a bit lazy with the idea of actually doing my pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy, appears I’m not alone seeing the news recently.

• I was induced 11 days early with a Emily because I had Obstetric cholestasis.
• During labour, they used forceps, which weakened my pelvic floor.
• I was curious to see how it could work for me.
• Not any of my friends talk openly about it, so I thought I would take the stand.

It’s good to talk.

Whilst this subject is very sensitive, please don’t feel alone. I’m not asking you to shout it from the roof top, but my email is always open and I’m here to talk, but if you’d like to speak to a medical professional about bladder leaks or Pelviva, please call their helpline on 0800 681 6008.

This content was sponsored by Pelviva, although all thoughts and views are my own.