A new study reveals more women have the condition urinary incontinence than you might think, but are just too embarrassed to talk about it.

Kristin Graham, 24, could not sit through an hour-long class because she couldn't control her bladder, having to urgently rush to the bathroom every 30 minutes.

She said: ‘I would dehydrate myself all day long in preparation of going somewhere, so I wouldn't have to embarrass myself and always ask to excuse myself to the bathroom.’ 

Graham was so embarrassed by her incontinence that she didn't even want to tell her doctor.

Incontinence affects 10% of women in their 20s and 30s, 27% of women in their 40s and 50s, 37% of women in their 60s and 70s and half of women aged 80 or older.

Dr. Sotelo says: ‘Usually, in the past, people have been embarrassed to talk about it but there's a lot of things we can do about it now (such as) non-surgical and surgical options.’

Kristin Graham has tried a number of medications, but nothing had worked until her urologist at George Washington Hospital inserted a device that provides electrical stimulation to the nerve that controls her bladder. Now, she only has to take bathroom breaks every two hours, which she says, has completely changed her life.

Miss Graham says: ‘It's been a huge difference and it feels really good to not have that embarrassing problem anymore.’

Visit Allanda for all your incontinence products and advice.