Reports & expert advice
Let’s lift the taboo and start talking about incontinence!
Do you suffer from urinary incontinence or care for someone who does? You're not alone and it’s about time we started to talk more openly to lift the stigma around this subject.
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1 in 3 women in the UK have some form of weak bladder. It´s time to end the stigma.
There’s no shying away from it, it’s not a glamorous subject but it affects so many women later in life, we need to start having conversations about it.
As a woman over 40, you may have already begun to experience some changes in your body that you never thought would happen. You may have found yourself gaining weight more easily, your hair thinning, and your skin drying out. But one change that you may not have expected is urinary incontinence. You may have already experienced a little leakage when you laugh, cough, or sneeze, and it's only getting worse as you get older. Research shows that 1 in 3 women in the UK1 have some form of weak bladder but nobody wants to talk about it, and they continue to suffer in silence. That figure is probably even higher because women put off going to the doctor to discuss their symptoms because they are too embarrassed.
Here's how you can manage incontinence during menopause
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can be a mild problem that occurs only occasionally or a more serious problem that occurs frequently and interferes with your daily activities. There are different types of urinary incontinence including stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. Urge incontinence occurs when you have a strong, sudden urge to urinate followed by an involuntary leakage of urine.
Learn more in our detailed guides:
Stress incontinence in women
Urge Incontinence
Why Am I Suddenly Leaking Urine
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Shop for Comfortable Incontinence Solutions
Discover how our incontinence pads can make your life comfortable and help you live with freedom and confidence.
What causes Urinary Incontinence?
There are many possible causes of urinary incontinence/weak bladder. The most common cause is weak muscles around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). There are several things that can contribute to urinary incontinence as you age. One of the most common causes for older women is menopause. During the menopause, estrogen levels decline, which can cause changes in the urinary tract and lead to incontinence. Pregnancy and childbirth are also major contributing factors, as they can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
For further advice, read the following:
Strengthening the pelvic floor for women
Pregnancy and Incontinence
Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
Fortunately, there are treatments available for urinary incontinence. The first step is to see your doctor, a step that lots of women put off due to embarrassment but it’s an important step to take. Your doctor can determine the cause of your incontinence and rule out any other underlying health conditions. They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, limiting caffeine intake, and avoiding foods that irritate the bladder. If these changes don't help, there are medications available that can relax the bladder muscles or control nerve impulses.
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Getting through your daily life with confidence
There are things you can do to help you stay in control and get through your day with confidence.
You may be tempted to just use a sanitary pad because it’s what you are used to and seems less embarrassing when going out to the shops. But they are specifically designed for menstruation and not for any urine leaks. There are products out there, like the new MoliCare range of discreet pads from Hartmann direct, that are specifically made to fit the female body, so you don’t have to worry about them being seen under clothing whilst providing you with discreet protection. They also deliver to your door, so you don’t have to worry about facing someone at the shop counter.
If you are suffering with incontinence, it’s important you use the best products to suit your problem to give you back your confidence.
Wearing an incontinence product does not have to be an uncomfortable experience!
Lifting the stigma around urinary incontinence
For more advice from Rachel, you can visit her Instagram page.
Get 20% off on MoliCare® Premium
Simply enter the code RACHEL20 when placing your order and receive a 20% discount.
This post is in conjunction with MoliCare® but all thoughts are my own.
About the author – Rachel Peru
In a world where everything must be constantly optimised – not least one's own body – feeling good about oneself is not always easy. Especially middle-aged women often struggle with self-confidence and self-worth, trying to keep up with the current beauty standards. Having experienced a lack of self-belief and body confidence herself up until her 40s, Rachel Peru knows this struggle very well.
Things changed, however, when Rachel became a curve model at the age of 46. For several years now she shows other women, particularly those in midlife, that they are not invisible in the fashion industry. A passionate advocate for body confidence, Rachel also started her own podcast “Out of the bubble” a few years ago. Speaking with amazing women from different areas of expertise she aims to spread positivity around midlife and show women of all ages that they are beautiful just the way they are – a very important message also for everyone who suffers from bladder weakness or incontinence.
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Always safe, always confident - with Molicare®
MoliCare® from HARTMANN provides reliable leakage protection and maintains healthy skin with pH-neutral value for effective incontinence management. For light, moderate or severe incontinence.
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MoliCare® Premium Men Pad 4 Drops
<h2>Comfortable and absorbent</h2> <p>Why MoliCare for men? Hers are some of the key features of the MoliCare® Premium Men Pads from Hartmann:</p> <ul> <li>Discreet and comfortable</li> <li>Fits the male physique</li> <li>3-layer absorbent core</li> <li>Fast-absorbing system</li> <li>Anti-leakage cuffs</li> <li>Odour neutralisers</li> <li>Wide adhesive strip</li> <li>Skin-friendly</li> </ul> <p>With an affordable price and great quality guarantee, you cannot regret choosing MoliCare® Premium Men Pad 4 drops, equipped with anti-leak cuffs, and 14 pieces per bag.</p> <h2>Slim and discreet under clothing</h2> <p>MoliCare® Premium MEN Pads offer reliable support for men dealing with bladder weakness. Whether it's stress incontinence or urge incontinence, these pads for men are designed to provide a discreet and quick solution on the go. Simply place the pad before applying your underwear and secure it with the adhesive strip for worry-free protection. MoliCare® Premium MEN Pads offer full coverage for men facing very light to moderate bladder weakness.</p> <h2>Leakage protection for men</h2> <p>MoliCare® understands that each individual's incontinence needs are unique. That's why our incontinence products, including MoliCare® Premium MEN Pads, are available in different absorbency levels. You can find the perfect fit and protection for your specific requirements.</p> <h2>Reliable and soft on the skin</h2> <p>Our body-shaped absorbent pads are designed to deliver dependable and skin-friendly incontinence protection every day. Experience discreet comfort with the soft, cotton-like materials and the added benefit of an odour neutraliser, ensuring you feel fresh and confident throughout the day.</p> <h2>Fast delivery to your home</h2> <p>At HARTMANN Direct, we ensure a fast delivery service for all our products. Enjoy free delivery on orders over £50, making it convenient and hassle-free to receive the incontinence products you need. Our dedicated customer care team is here to discuss your incontinence product needs and answer any questions you may have. Call us today on 0800 028 9470 to experience the comfort and confidence that MoliCare® Premium MEN Pads can provide.</p>![](https://cdn.hrt.cloud/product/39400_48.jpg)
MoliCare® Premium Lady Pad 2 Drops
<h2>Skin Friendly Pant Liners</h2> <p>For women that experience slight incontinence and bladder weakness, across different age groups, it can be a challenge to find the right bladder weakness product that is easy to apply and wear without the worry of potential leakages. Fortunately, we understand this approach, hence why we are happy to offer our MoliCare® Premium Lady Pad 2 drops, that is skin-friendly, Aloe Vera applied, and comes with 14 liners per bag.</p> <h2>Slim and discreet liners</h2> <p>Whether dealing with stress incontinence or urge incontinence, these panty liners offer a discreet and easy solution on the go. Simply place the pad in your underwear and secure it with the adhesive strip for all-round protection. Available in different absorbency levels, MoliCare® bladder weakness products cater to all levels of bladder weakness, ensuring secure care.</p> <h2>Control Bladder Weakness</h2> <p>Enjoy the benefits of these body-shaped absorbent panty liners, designed for women with bladder weakness. The pads offer discreet, reliable protection with features including odour control and fast absorption.</p> <p>With a wide adhesive strip, you can comfortably fix the pad in your regular underwear, providing secure and comfortable fixation. The pads are skin-friendly, featuring soft, breathable materials, including foam cuffs, and a top sheet treated with Aloe Vera.</p> <p>Keeping your skin healthy is a priority, which is why MoliCare® Premium Lady Pads have a skin-neutral pH value of 5.5 and an antibacterial finish. They are also dermatologically tested, offering peace of mind.</p> <h2>Buy pant liners online</h2> <p>Never worry about running out with our convenient order service and fast delivery direct to your door. Enjoy free shipping on orders over £50.</p> <p>If you need assistance, our professional customer service team is here to support you in choosing the right product. Reach out to us today at 0800 028 9470 and experience the comfort and reliability of MoliCare® Premium Lady Pads.</p>![](https://cdn.hrt.cloud/product/6228_48.jpg)
MoliCare Pad 3 Drops
<h2>Incontinence pads for men and women</h2> <p>Protect yourself against slight bladder weakness with the MoliCare® Pad 3 drops. Suitable for men and women, offering an ideal solution to regain control and live your active life without interruptions. Slimline, discreet, and contoured to fit your body, these incontinence pads ensure a comfortable and barely noticeable feel, providing exceptional dryness and protection for slight incontinence.</p> <p>Crafted with soft, skin-friendly fabric and a polyester backsheet, these incontinence pads ensure you can confidently go about your day, secure against minor leaks. The wide adhesive fixing strip keeps the pad securely in place, while the super absorbent core wicks moisture away from your skin. The elastic anti-leak edging adds an extra layer of reassurance, and odour neutraliser keeps you feeling fresh and confident. With the MoliCare® Pad 3 drops, you no longer need to let slight or occasional incontinence hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Simply adhere the pad to your underwear, and you will barely feel the difference.</p> <h2>Price match promise</h2> <p>Experience convenience with our fast delivery service, bringing your chosen products directly to your door. At HARTMANN Direct, we offer a price match promise and free delivery for orders over £50, making sure you receive both quality and value.</p> <p>If you need further assistance, our customer care team is here to help. Give us a call today at 0800 028 9470, and we'll find the perfect incontinence product tailored to your needs. Take charge of your life with the reliable and comfortable protection of MoliCare® Pad 3 drops. Say goodbye to worries and hello to an active and confident lifestyle.</p>![](https://cdn.hrt.cloud/product/6229_48.jpg)
MoliCare Pad 4 Drops
<h2>Handy MoliCare incontinence pads to carry on the go</h2> <p>Our MoliCare® Pad 4 Drops are an essential product for those experiencing slight incontinence, allowing you to regain control and live your busy and active life without the interference of bladder weakness. Designed for both men and women, this incontinence pad for men and women offers exceptional dryness and protection, ensuring your comfort and confidence.</p> <h2>‘Barely There’ Reassurance and Reliability</h2> <p>The MoliCare® Pad 4 Drops are slimline, discreet, and adjusted to fit your body seamlessly. It fixes securely inside your underwear, providing a ‘barely there’ comfort feel. With its soft and skin-kind fabric, along with a wide adhesive fixing strip on the backsheet, you can go about your day with the assurance of being protected against leakages.</p> <p>The absorbent core effectively prevents your skin from becoming too moist, while the elastic anti-leak edging adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Say goodbye to any worries about odours, as the MoliCare® Pad 4 Drops also neutralises odours to keep you fresh and confident throughout the day. Don't let incontinence hold you back from living life to the fullest.</p> <p>Ordering your MoliCare® Pad 4 Drops is hassle-free, as we offer fast delivery direct to your door. With our price match promise, you can trust that you're getting the best value for your money. Plus, enjoy free delivery on all orders over £50.</p> <p>If you need assistance in finding the perfect incontinence product for your needs, our friendly customer care team is here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at 0800 028 9470. Take control of your life with the reliable protection and comfort of the MoliCare® Pad, alongside other <a href="https://www.hartmanndirect.co.uk/incontinence-products/incontinence-pads" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">incontinence pads</a>.</p>![](https://cdn.hrt.cloud/product/34185_48.jpg)
Baktolin Pure hand wash
<p>The sensitivity-friendly formula of Baktolin Pure Hand Wash makes it popular amongst doctors, nurses and carers, who need to wash and disinfect their hands multiple times throughout the day. This generous 500ml Pure hand wash bottle comes with a hand pump dispenser for easy dosing.</p> <p>• pH-neutral, mild formula<br /> • Ideal for sensitive skin<br /> • Made with skin-mild tensides which preserve the acid mantle of the skin<br /> • Paraben, fragrance and colourant-free</p> <p>When you order disinfection products from HARTMANN Direct, you can be assured that you will only receive the highest quality of product and customer support. Our disinfection range is ideal for users at home, all healthcare professionals and their patients. They are used in a wide range of settings, from residential homes and assisted living facilities to patients own homes.</p> <p>If you would rather place your order over the phone or you aren’t certain what you are looking for, please call our helpful customer service team on 0800 028 9470. </p>![](https://cdn.hrt.cloud/product/49048_48.jpg)
Peha Soft® Vinyl Disposable Gloves (powder free)
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Peha Soft Latex Disposable Gloves
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Baktolin Pure hand wash
<p>The sensitivity-friendly formula of Baktolin Pure Hand Wash makes it popular amongst doctors, nurses and carers, who need to wash and disinfect their hands multiple times throughout the day. This generous 500ml Pure hand wash bottle comes with a hand pump dispenser for easy dosing.</p> <p>• pH-neutral, mild formula<br /> • Ideal for sensitive skin<br /> • Made with skin-mild tensides which preserve the acid mantle of the skin<br /> • Paraben, fragrance and colourant-free</p> <p>When you order disinfection products from HARTMANN Direct, you can be assured that you will only receive the highest quality of product and customer support. Our disinfection range is ideal for users at home, all healthcare professionals and their patients. They are used in a wide range of settings, from residential homes and assisted living facilities to patients own homes.</p> <p>If you would rather place your order over the phone or you aren’t certain what you are looking for, please call our helpful customer service team on 0800 028 9470. </p>![](https://cdn.hrt.cloud/product/47609_48.jpg)