Compiled by our Director, Senior Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor Helen Dudley. To book an appointment with Helen, or read her Meet the Team profile CLICK HERE.

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine at an inappropriate time or place. For a lot of us, incontinence can be an everyday occurrence that puts strain on our mental health and can limit our physical activities and enjoyment. This taboo problem is unfortunately all too common so if you do experience incontinence, whether it is a few drops every now and then to full bladder leakage, you’re not alone. In fact;
- 1 in 3 women have some degree of urinary incontinence
- In women 45-60 years old, this number increases to 50%
- 13% of men have urinary incontinence

As Physios, we obviously advocate the assessment and rehabilitation of incontinence issues with a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, especially as the research is so propelling as to the success of treatment. In fact, 70% of women with incontinence will get significant improvements with appropriate treatment.

In saying that, we also understand that it can be very debilitating to every day life so management is just as important to enable you to live well and do the things you love. In the past, this has meant using pads that are uncomfortable and not environmentally sound. That is why we were so excited and had to share this great new product with you.

Awwa is a great NZ female founded company that provides pee-proof pants for people of all shapes and sizes. They have a great ethos; making sustainable and climate positive products that are made of natural, organic and recycled fabrics. The pee-proof underwear wicks moisture away from the body and locks it into the centre layer, meaning you feel dry and smell fresh all day long.

Here is more information taken from their website:

How Does AWWA work for bladder leakage?

Our innovative hi tech layers have been developed especially to absord fluid but keep you dry and fresh.
1 - The top layer, sits closest to your skin and wicks moisture away fast and keeps you feeling dry.
2 - An antimicrobial layer that fights odours and bacteria
3 - A super absorbent layer that safely holds 18 ml of fluid (that you do NOT feel)
4 - Bottom layer, is a leak proof barrier

Do they smell?

Our high tech layers mean that all liquid and odour are locked in the middle layer so there’s no smell.

Do you feel wet wearing them?

Absolutely not!

How long can you wear incontinence underwear before changing them?

This comes down to what you’re comfortable with, but our underwear can hold up to 18ml so you should be able to wear one pair all day long.
They are great for periods too. ​​Our absorbent technology supports you through pregnancy and incontinence. Making us period proof, postpartum proof and pee proof with a range of absorbency levels and styles to suit you.

What AWWA styles do you recommend for incontinence?

We recommend the Eva brief, Cotton Brief or Skye High styles

AP have created a health solution company called The Health Collective. The collective consists of a group of trusted experts in the health and wellness field that have personally selected products that will assist our communities health and wellness.
We stock a wide range of select locally produced, ethically sourced, sustainable products to help you keep healthy, recover from injury, support you while you work and play, help you to sleep and relax and to support women during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.