NEWS COPY
Millions of women are suffering bladder leaks after exercising more at home during lockdown.
A study of 2,000 women found 37 per cent have been working out more often in recent months thanks to a rise in online fitness classes.
One in five of those, who also had an existing issue with bladder leaks, admitted their condition worsened.
But 14 per cent of those who have experienced the problem said it had happened for the first time while exercising recently - and blame the increase in activity.
It also emerged more than one in six women who have suffered bladder leaks in the past have noticed the problem more than ever before while spending more time at home during the lockdown.
And a quarter of those who have previously turned a blind eye to symptoms said the lockdown has forced them to confront the issue rather than continue to ignore it.
The study, commissioned by Always Discreet, also revealed more than half of women have changed their attitudes towards their overall health and wellbeing in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Six in 10 also claimed they have taken more time to look after themselves in the past four months.
But although 55 per cent have had more time to work out recently, three in 10 have not been exercising their pelvic floor muscles.
More than two thirds of women have never even seen a routine dedicated to strengthening their pelvic floor.
And three in 10 women admitted they wouldn’t know what they need to do to improve it.
Worryingly, the study carried out via OnePoll, also found more than one in 20 women have had to cancel or postpone appointments with their GP or specialist about pelvic floor health over the past four months.
Of those, 47 per cent avoided the check-up due to concerns about a face-to-face appointment during the pandemic.
Following the findings, Always Discreet has teamed up with TV personality and mum-of-one Ferne McCann to create a free pelvic floor workout series to help strengthen this area.
Ferne said: “As someone who realised I was experiencing bladder leaks while I was exercising, I’m really excited to help launch Pelvic Power by Always Discreet and raise awareness of the importance of pelvic floor exercises.
“It’s a workout dedicated to pelvic floor muscles, which are so important in helping to prevent and improve leaks.
“It’s been developed by a personal trainer and in partnership with a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, and is quick, fun and makes it easier than ever to get squeezing.”
The free Pelvic Power by Always Discreet workout will be live at www.embodyment.co.uk on Thursdays throughout August at 8am, or can be accessed at any time on the site.
ENDS
