If you are socialising with three women friends then the chances are that at least one of you experiences bladder weakness – stress incontinence – when urine leaks involuntarily on coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.

There are three main reasons for this:

• weakened pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth or being overweight;
• going through the menopause – the reduction of oestrogen affects the abdominal and bladder muscles;
•  infection, certain drugs, nerve damage or constipation;
  

resulting in:

•  stress – unexpected leakage;
• urge – sudden urge to pass urine which cannot be restrained;
• overflow – when the bladder does not empty completely, urine builds up and may drip out;
• mixture – it’s quite common to have more than one of the above.
  

What you can do

1. Make sure you empty your bladder completely. There’s a tendency for women to lean forwards while urinating, when to empty the bladder you should lean backwards.
2. If you think you have an infection – have a test and get it treated.
3. Wear a pad - Tena make a range of these - while you are sorting out the problem.
4. Work on your pelvic floor muscles.
   

Pelvic floor workout

Professor Kari Bø has launched a DVD to teach the Pelvicore Technique which increases core strength, improves posture and flattens tummies.

A physical therapist and exercise scientist at the Department of Sports Medicine in Oslo, Kari has written widely about the pelvic floor, fitness, pregnancy, fitness and women’s health.

In the Pelvicore Technique DVD Kari explains how to locate the pelvic floor muscles and how to tone them along with exercises to improve movement and reduce back pain. Studies show her technique cures stress incontinence in 60 to 70 per cent of women. The exercises are simple to follow and you should allow about 20 minutes to complete them.

Pelvicore Technique is produced by CoreWellness, a Europe-wide campaign supported by Tena, a leading hygiene brand and expert in bladder weakness.

To get your free copy of Pelvicore Technique DVD ring 0845 300 6466
or go to www.corewellness.co.uk