Sheffield women urged to get help for "incredibly important" health condition

Sheffield Council decided to "lift the lid" on the taboo subject to look at people's experience of the Continence Service in the city.

It was a challenge because it is not something people are comfortable talking about and on average, people wait five years before seeking help.

There are around 8,000 people using prescribed continence products in the city and around 5,500 of these are women - they are more likely to be affected as giving birth is a significant factor.

The service focuses on prevention and wants to promote the message that incontinence is not an inevitable part of getting older.

It says targeting pelvic floor education at teenagers and younger women - particularly new mums - is important in preventing problems after menopause.

A council report says: "New Mum workshops are advertised through flyers in discharge packs from Jessops, although take-up is variable across the city.

"There should be consideration to taking services out into communities, especially in areas where there is low take-up.

"There should be consistent messages about continence prevention from all parts of the health service that come into contact with new mums – particularly health visitors and community midwives - and that they are equipped to support and signpost people to the appropriate services.

"The service should also consider how it could work to raise continence awareness in schools."

The report details how continence issues are higher in the north of the city, and yet take-up of services is lower than in other areas.

There are higher "did not attend" rates at the clinic amongst Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and there is also a lower take-up of the New Mum classes in deprived communities.

The report adds: "We need to break down this stigma and help people to understand that incontinence is not an inevitable part of growing older.

"This issue is rarely discussed, yet incredibly important. We hope that we will get people talking and start to break down some of the stigma."

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