'Don't suffer incontinence in silence' - nurse

Thousands of women could be suffering with incontinence and bladder problems because they are too embarrassed to seek help, a NHS expert has said.

Laura Rimmer, a clinical nurse specialist in urogynaecology at Humber Health Partnership, said more than six in 10 women would experience some form of incontinence.

Symptoms include a sudden urge to urinate, waking up in the night to go the toilet or passing wee when laughing, sneezing or exercising.

Ms Rimmer said too many women were "suffering in silence" and urged anyone with symptoms to see a doctor or specialist.

"Too many women feel too embarrassed or worried to ask for help, but taking that first step can make all the difference to their quality of life," she said.

"You don't have to suffer in silence. There are many ways we can help which don't involve surgical intervention and can be done by yourself in the comfort of your own home."

Incontinence and bladder problems can be caused by a number of factors, such as childbirth, menopause, diabetes and conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Medical professionals claim one in four women over the age of 40 will experience incontinence.

Women can be referred to a specialist urogynaecology clinic at Hull Women and Children's Hospital for treatments or to learn how to manage the condition themselves.

Ms Rimmer said she saw about 1,000 women a year from East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire with incontinence and bladder problems.

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