Relief for bladder leaks

Urinary incontinence affects millions of women in the UK - but there is help out there, including a new solution available on the NHS

- WORDS: ALI GRAVES PHOTOS: GETTY

According to research conducted in May, a staggering 42% of women suffer from bladder leaks in the UK.

That's around 12 million women, although this figure is believed to be higher, as many feel too ashamed to seek help. It can affect any age group and is most often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, which may be due to childbirth, ageing, menopause or other causes. Many sufferers hide their symptoms by wearing pads, which can cost up to £600 per year.

At best, bladder leaks are a nuisance; at worst, they can negatively impact quality of life. Many women experience emotional distress and avoid doing the activities they love. But in a major milestone for women's health, a new solution is now accessible through the NHS and it's called Elitone.

This easy-to-use device works by doing Kegel exercises (which have long been known to effectively help the symptoms of bladder leaks) for you and for much longer and stronger than anyone could manage on their own. It delivers gentle neuromuscular stimulation through a reusable gel pad that is applied externally to the skin - a bit like a panty liner. This stimulation contracts and relaxes the muscles 100 times in just 20 minutes to strengthen them.