Here to Help
THIS WEEK: Embarrassing Leaks
Q
I’m going abroad soon and am worried about bladder weakness when travelling. Can you help? A Bladder weakness, or involuntary urinary leaks, may happen when we laugh, sneeze, cough, or run. This is
because the pelvic floor muscles can weaken from pregnancy, after childbirth, or during the menopause. Take advice from your GP before travelling. Alleviate fears of being in strange places where facilities can be limited by doing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles, and try some of the practical products available. Choose from Always panty liners (don’t forget to carry plastic bags to help with safe disposal), a barrier cream like Sudocrem to avoid irritation, and wonder fully feminine underwear like Pretty Clever Pants, with their hidden waterproof panel (devised by Carol Smillie) to help you feel confident, clean, worry free and also great for periods. Happy travelling!