One in three women suffers with incontinence, usually as a result of weakening of the muscles that control urination, such as the urethral sphincter, or the pelvic floor (a hammock of muscles that runs from the pubic bone to the spine, supporting the bladder, bowel and womb).
There are different types, including stress incontinence — the most common form — which leads to leaks of urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh. Urge incontinence causes a sudden need to go as the bladder spasms.
There is a range of products that claim to help with these problems. We asked Dr Penelope Law, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Hillingdon Hospital and The Portland Hospital in London, to assess a selection. We then rated them.
INCOSTRESS
INCOSTRESS: This soft silicone device is said to place pressure against the urethra, supporting it to prevent the involuntary loss of urine
£31.99, Boots
CLAIM: This soft silicone device, inserted like a tampon, is said to place pressure against the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body, supporting it to prevent the involuntary loss of urine.
EXPERT VERDICT: This will support the urethra and the pelvic floor to stop urine leakage. It is a good short-term solution for extra support while exercising, for example, to prevent stress incontinence, but I wouldn’t advise using it for too long as I’d be worried about the risk of infection as a result of urine being stopped and bacteria building up in the bladder. It also looks like it would be quite heavy and uncomfortable to wear all day. 7/10
INNOVO
INNOVO: This hand-held controller attached to special shorts sends impulses to the pelvic floor in each 30-minute session
£249, LloydsPharmacy and restorethefloor.com
CLAIM: A hand-held controller attached to special shorts. It sends impulses to the pelvic floor in each 30-minute session via conductive gel pads (attached to your upper thigh and buttocks). The idea is that electrical impulses strengthen the pelvic floor, which in turn reduces incontinence. The manufacturer advises using it for 30 minutes five days a week for up to three months to see results, then twice a week to maintain strength.
EXPERT VERDICT: Although there is evidence muscle stimulation can be effective for incontinence, I’m not sure this would get to the deep muscles in the pelvis. It would firm up the gluteal muscles in the buttocks, but not the pelvic floor. It’s also very expensive. 3/10
CONTRELLE ACTIVGARD
CONTRELLE ACTIVGARD: A disposable foam device that expands inside the vagina
Box of 30, £95.99, incontinencechoice.co.uk
CLAIM: A disposable foam device that expands inside the vagina. Soak it in water then insert. It unfolds to support the bladder. It can be worn for 16 hours before being replaced. The manufacturer claims 35 per cent of users say they are completely continent after using it.
EXPERT VERDICT: This may be OK as a short-term option for exercising, say, but I can’t see what would make it more effective than a tampon to hold up the vagina and the pelvic floor. It also requires a lot of effort to insert, as it’s quite fiddly — and you have to align it
