Breaking the taboo around incontinence

This post is sponsored by Contrelle.

It’s my job to help women run. Some are just starting out and some are training for big races. All runners have something in common: we all have obstacles that can deter us from working out. For some it’s time – looking after children, working long hours, having other commitments. Sometimes it’s fear of judgement, particularly beginner runners, or fear of street harassment.

As women, there are obstacles that we face unique to our bodies: periods, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause. These things can affect our confidence, our desire to run and sometimes our ability to run at all.

A lot of conversations have taken place to break down the taboo around periods (we all applauded the tampon string in the This Girl Can Advert) and more recently menopause. But urinary incontinence – something that many women will experience at some point in their lives – is still not talked about.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is the leakage of urine during moments of physical activity that increases abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. 1 in 3 women over 18 will experience it at some point and 2 out of 3 women over the age of 40.

Urinary incontinence is stopping women running and getting in the way of them doing other things they love. But because of embarrassment around talking about it, they’re often not seeking help. And there is help available.

The first step if you experience SUI is to speak to your GP, practice nurse or local NHS continence or Women’s Health service first and foremost. They may suggest lifestyle changes and give you pelvic floor exercises to do and for additional helpthey may also suggest other options such as Contrelle Activgard.

Contrelle offers an alternative to incontinence pads, liners and surgery. It’s a discreet bladder support that helps stop or reduce leaks before they happen. Contrelle is inserted into the vagina in the same way as a tampon, restoring the bladder to its natural position. Think of it like a sports bra for your pelvic organs.

If new to Contrelle, start with the Sizing Kit to find your best fit. Contrelle is offering 100 of its sizing kits free to women – just email them on  info@contrelle.com quoting ‘Lazy Girl Running’ and stating name, address and postcode.

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