Problem Aussie females silently suffering
Incontinence is an uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder. I should know. I’ve had difficulty with bladder control since my back gave out in April 2021.
I’m not alone. One in four Australians and one in three women suffer from incontinence. More than half are under the age of 50, largely due to childbirth.
The majority, like me suffer in silence with this uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder.
It got so bad I was having to wear pads from the minute I got up or else risk embarrassing leakage. It became an issue every day and significantly impacted my quality of life and confidence.
There were times I literally couldn’t stand up from my chair without leaking down my leg.
I would suffer in silence.
Continence is just as important as sexual arousal, sexual response and ease of orgasm, but when it’s not holding, it’s not happening.
I spoke at a recent function publicly about my incontinence and I was surprised to see the level of interest and engagement with the topic. Many guests told me after the event they suffer incontinence but have never told anyone or sought any form of medical care.
Technology has come a long way in this field. Women’s Wellness platform EmpowerRF from InMode uses internal radiofrequency platforms VTone, FormaV and Morpheus8V which more women are now using.
- VTone – a gentle intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and neuromuscular re-education treatment. Women with weak pelvic floor muscles are using this.
- FormaV – deep tissue heating. Women with dryness and muscle tone issues are using this. Treats incontinence and in particular the feeling of urgency. It also aims to improve vaginal dryness and burning/stinging associated with menopause and associated painful intercourse. It can enhances\ sexual response.
- Morpheus8 V is micro-needling with radiofrequency (in the vagina). Women wanting to improve vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence are turning to this.
While incontinence impacts our lifestyle it also impacts the environment.
A recent study from Southern Cross University and the University of Queensland has found that by 2030 waste from absorbent hygiene products (AHP) generated by adults [used for incontinence] will outnumber that produced by infants by between four and 10 times.
After food waste, sanitary, incontinence products and disposable nappies ending up in landfill are becoming one of the most significant waste issues, comprising between 5-15 per cent of waste in household bins. It can take up to 800 years for the products to break down.
This has to change - and I suspect it will the more we talk openly about it.
For more information visit EmpowerRF.
Written by Dr Judy Craig , Natural Looks Cosmetic Medicine in Subiaco WA
Image: Shutterstock