When embarrassing bladder troubles stopped rugby-playing mum-of-two Claire Cartwright from taking part in the sport she loved she decided it was time to tackle the problem head on.

Forty-three-year-old Claire had suffered with bladder weakness since being a teenager but the problem worsened with the birth of her two sons and, despite months of pelvic floor exercises, began having more and more impact on her life.

She explained: “It got increasingly worse to the point where I would leak if I coughed, sneezed or made any sudden movement.  I would never play with my children outside if it meant running or jumping and would never run for a bus or train. The thought of having to suffer any longer wasn’t an option for me, I wanted it sorted ASAP and surgery was my best option. For many years I accepted the problem as something that happened to some women after having children. I felt ashamed and felt it was my fault as I probably hadn’t done enough pelvic floor exercises when I was pregnant. I didn’t talk about it with anyone else but now I am sure there are many women out there having exactly the same feelings and I want to tell them there is no need to suffer in silence.

Yes it is embarrassing but I am sharing my story in the hope that other women will find the courage to talk about it and get help – I only wish I had done it years ago.”

Read the full article here.