A pioneering hidden device could help millions of women who suffer in silence with an embarrassing condition linked to childbirth.
Stress incontinence is caused by a weakening of the pelvic-floor muscles which control the flow of urine, and can lead to involuntary leaks during exercise such as running or yoga, or while coughing and sneezing.
It may affect three million women in the UK, many of them too embarrassed to seek help. Actresses Kate Winslet and Loose Women host Nadia Sawalha have admitted to suffering in an effort to raise awareness.
Stress incontinence is caused by a weakening of the pelvic-floor muscles which control the flow of urine, and can lead to involuntary leaks during exercise such as running or yoga, or while coughing and sneezing
Controversy over a surgical solution, the vaginal mesh implant, which has left a significant number of patients with traumatic complications, has also deterred women from speaking to their GP.
But a new pessary being launched this weekend at the Scottish Fitness Expo claims to reduce the risk of leaks while allowing women to manage the problem themselves at home.
The reusable rubber device, called URESTA, is designed in a bell shape which, when inserted, supports the bladder muscles and prevents urine escaping. It is washable and can be used all day, including during activities such as aerobics.
At the moment, women who choose not to talk to their GP rely on buying incontinence pads from the supermarket, which can cost up to £300 a year.
The URESTA was designed by Canadian urogynaecologist Scott Farrell and has been used by 10,000 women in Canada.
Dr Farrell made the prototype out of plasticine from his daughter’s toy box. He said: ‘I had a patient a few years ago who was a bagpipe-player who leaked when she played. The pessary stopped it and she was able to continue in competition.
A new pessary being launched this weekend at the Scottish Fitness Expo claims to reduce the risk of leaks while allowing women to manage the problem themselves at home
‘Another patient wanted to climb Mount Everest. She got to base camp and was very happy.’
The condition is linked to childbirth, but can also be caused by pressure on the bladder muscles caused by obesity or pregnancy. Neurological illnesses such as MS and Parkinson’s can also affect bladder function.
There are other pessaries on the market, but these are generally only for more serious problems such as pelvic prolapse.
There are also surgical options using plastic mesh or tape to support the bladder, but this has led in some cases to complications such as pain, organ removal and psychological problems.
A starter pack of three sizes of pessary is on the MediPlus website for £130. The firm has applied for the product to be made available on the NHS.
One British woman, 35, who did not want to be named, developed stress incontinence after the birth of her daughter, now six.
She said: ‘Since having the pessary, it’s given me the freedom to get back into keeping fit and doing physical activities with my daughter, without the worry of any embarrassing accidents.’
Consultant urogynaecologist Wael Agur, from NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said he had given the pessary to several patients.
‘It can take five to six years from the onset of incontinence to a woman talking to a professional because of the stigma of the condition. Many women also don’t want to go down the surgical route, put off by the problems associated with the mesh.
‘The pessary involves self-management, which also saves patients from clogging up the physiotherapy route.’