Shappi Khorsandi on Gateway 97.8

Laughter is the best medicine, or so they say. But what if a medical condition meant that laughter was no longer a benefit or something to be enjoyed carefree? For some women the joy of laughter is replaced by stress, embarrassment and shame.

New research released today by Boots Staydry show that the vast majority (75%) of women who suffer from incontinence said they have been worried about laughing due to their condition. In fact, two thirds (65%) specifically list laughing as a trigger for their condition.

Over half of the women surveyed (58%) say they know laughing puts them at risk of having a leak. 54% admitted they’ve had an accident before as a result of laughing and so are worried about it happening again. Over a quarter (29%) say they actively avoid laughing with friends or family because of this.

Aston spoke to Shappi Khorsandi, comedian and author and Jane Smith, Boots Staydry advisor to discuss the research and about the new campaign.