No More oops moments! Go free with “Always”

Women have more freedom now in everything but there are times we restrict and refrain ourselves from doing things that we love to do, just because our body isn’t co-operating as we get older.

We discuss almost everything with our friends and family but we do keep some secrets to ourself, not sharing even with the closest ones, thinking it would be a shame and “what if” they think wrong of you!? And, the most common issues are those oops moments that most of us suffer at any time from pregnancy to getting older!

I had been there and done that!!! But oneday, I set myself free to discuss about the issues and headed off to the Always Discreet event in London with few other bloggers.

And, I had a chance to listen about what other women in the same situation feel about it. Inspired by the stories of real women across the country, UK film director Flora Berkeley has partnered with Always Discreet to create a ground-breaking documentary that aims to give a voice to the 1 in 3 women suffering from a condition that many feel reluctant to talk about; adult incontinence (AI). Watch the film – Our Story – here:

This is not at all an issue, then why you have to keep it as a great secret.

1 in 3 women in Europe have experienced some degree of urinary incontinence.

You would be surprised to see …. “when you feel confident about discussing it in a group, how many other would be opening up to discuss the same issue they are facing everyday”. So, “You are not alone”.

Do you feel uncomfortable wearing what you love to wear? Do you feel conscious laughing out loud!? Do you feel worried being sportive because the fear of AI stops you!?

Well, Don’t worry. It is not something that you can not avoid. There are few tips and tricks that will help you face the situation in a much better way.

“There is help as far as you are open to speak about it”

The incontinence you suffer could be any of the below.

Urge incontinence when you have a strong need to urinate but can’t reach the toilet in time – it can happen to anyone at any age.
Stress incontinence when you experience bladder leaks when coughing, sneezing or laughing – it is even more common in younger rather than older women.
Mixed incontinence is the combination of stress and urge incontinence symptoms.

Tips to minimise the ‘accidents’

If anyone advises to reduce the water intake, IGNORE it. Get into the habit of sipping water between meals, Hydrate yourself really well.
Don’t drink anything two hours before bed.
Avoid lifting heavy things that might stress your pelvic floor
Avoiding or reducing caffeine, citrus juices, alcohol and carbonated beverages.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Not only after delivery but the Pelvic floor exercise really helps to control AI and can make huge difference. Here are some tips, Try yoga or pilates and focus on the pelvic floor strengthening exercises.
Use incontinence pads to minimise effects of sensitive bladder.
Most importantly, try to use the loo whenever possible and don’t wait until the urge forces you to go!

Always Discreet is available as liners, Pads and Pants.

Light pads are sufficient for occasional leakage – they ensure the necessary safety, are invisible under clothes, and are completely discreet.

Incontinence pads or pants with larger absorbency are for those with frequent, higher-intensity leakage, or in situations where it is impossible to change the pad, such as road trips.

Have you been suffering AI? Would you like to talk about it wto someone? Please feel free to comment here.