Anne Davidson
Co-Founder, Giggle Knickers
In the UK alone, over 3 million women experience stress incontinence (aka little leaks). It affects everyone differently, but no matter your experience, it’s never easy. We want to empower more women to live life without worry.
Stress incontinence happens when the pelvic floor muscles are weakened or damaged through pregnancy, obesity, or simply as you get older. This means that if any pressure is put on your bladder, a little leak may slip out. So, if you cough, exercise, sneeze, or giggle, you can expect to have one of those whoops moments we all know a little too well.
Tackling the stigma
Due to the stigma stress incontinence carries, many women go to extreme lengths to conceal it. Changing how they dress, where they exercise, who they hang out with and even going as far as not going out at all. The emotional impact of this condition shows how important it is to break down these taboos whilst also giving women a practical solution.
What solutions are out there?
First and foremost, you should speak to your doctor about what you’re going through. They can give you medical support and point you in the right direction for successful treatment.
Physiotherapists can help to alleviate the symptoms of stress incontinence. They’ll show you a variety of exercises that can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. For some, these exercises can cure little leaks all together! Pelvic floor exercises also help to prevent stress incontinence so, even if you don’t have little leaks, it’s a good idea to practice them.
Giggle Knickers are a discreet, eco-friendly and feminine looking pair of washable knickers that support women with little leaks. They are an alternative to disposable pads that not only reduce sanitary waste and its impact on the environment, but also help to destigmatise little leaks. By creating a “normal” pair of knickers, women can feel comfortable and confident no matter where life takes them.
Today, it’s more important than ever for women to talk about their experiences. It’s time we break this taboo. It’s time we talk about little leaks.
