After departing the BBC show in 2015, Kristina gave birth to her daughter Mila with partner Ben Cohen in 2016. But when she returned to dancing she noticed a significant difference in her core and pelvic floor muscles, which meant she had to take another eight-month break.
Aside from her professional life, Kristina struggled with everyday tasks, including caring for her baby and doing household chores, due to bladder weakness following pregnancy – a struggle she kept to herself.
The Strictly star said it was a mental challenge realising she wasn’t able to go straight back to dancing. She shared: “As a professional dancer, I wasn’t prepared for what happened to me post-birth. No one talks about the fact you can experience pelvic floor weakness to the point of losing a little bit of control.”
“And as a very fit woman, where exercise and movement is my profession, I assumed I’d just bounce back – so it was a mental and physical challenge to overcome.”.
The star she is now dedicated to helping other women rebuild their pelvic floors. She adds: “Women shouldn’t feel scared to move or exercise, even if they do suffer with bladder weakness – there is help out there such as online support, your doctor and even talking to family members can help.”
She’s now teamed up with TENA for the launch of their new TENA Silhouette undies, aiming to empower women with bladder issues to get the support they need.
(Image: PinPep)
The partnership follows a TENA Silhouette survey of 2,000 women revealing that a two thirds have faced bladder weakness, just like Kristina at some point.
Many just shrugged it off, with 44% not seeing it as a biggie and 37% reckoning it was part of being a woman. However, it also caused significant challenges for some, as they couldn’t wear certain clothes, at points have had to avoid going for a stroll and alarmingly for 7% they felt trapped at home because of it.
And it appears the stigma is real as over half say they’re too mortified to talk about their bladder troubles. A mere 36% of individuals would open up to their partner about their struggle, but 1 in 10 admitted that their condition impacted at least one romantic relationship, making them feel less desirable or attractive.
Jennifer Grayson, brand manager for TENA, stated: “We are thrilled to be working with Kristina, her passion for supporting women and being part of our journey to educate and support those who experience bladder weakness is amazing.”
“It’s so important to continue breaking the taboo as the number of people who do not seek help, simply due to embarrassment, is staggering. We want people to know that there are options available, speak to your GP or a pelvic health expert, such as our partners MUTU System.”
“If it starts at home with our routine, great. Bladder weakness can be improved or even cured in some cases.”
(Image: PinPep)
Kristina added: “We need to empower women to seek the help they need, to talk about this problem without feeling embarrassed and support all those women who might be struggling.”
“All these issues are completely natural, and we shouldn’t feel inadequate about our bodies. We need to show you can be positive and happy and make real changes with simple exercises which can be done at home.”
People can’t understand their pelvic floors, it is like an enigma, and no one talks about it, no-one knows where it is – you have to find it, make fun of it, laugh about it and address it. “”.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
