Issue Codes  - Incontinence Accessories and Hygiene

Female incontinence is a common problem, but many women are reluctant to seek help because of a sense of embarrassment.

In reality, however, many women can greatly reduce their reliance on adult incontinence products simply by performing regular exercises, according to physical therapist Lisa Kiesel.

Ms Kiesel, who specialises in pelvic floor problems, told the News Junky Journal: "Scientific evidence shows that 80 per cent of women can improve with physical therapy that focuses on muscle strength and healthy bladder habits.

"There are treatments that help so women don't have to deal with these annoying symptoms."

About 13 per cent of women in the UK are thought to be affected by female incontinence, according to NHS figures.

In the vast majority of cases, the problem is caused by stress or urge incontinence.

Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to prevent urination, while leakage that occurs when a woman feels an intense need to pass urine is known as urge incontinence.