Living With Incontinence: One Woman's Journey Through Competing While Leaking
Aimee Oliver's battle with incontinence began in her twenties after childbirth — and it hasn't stopped her from competing.
When Motherhood Changed Everything
For many women, the physical aftermath of childbirth goes far beyond the visible. Aimee Oliver knows this reality all too well. Her struggles with incontinence began in her twenties, triggered by the birth of her first child — a challenge that would follow her far beyond the delivery room and into the most demanding environments she would ever face as a competing athlete.
Her story is one that resonates with countless women across the country, yet remains largely unspoken due to the stigma surrounding bladder control issues.
Competing Under Pressure — Literally
Athletes are expected to push their bodies to the absolute limit. But for women dealing with incontinence, that physical exertion comes with an additional layer of difficulty. Aimee has spoken candidly about the experience of leaking while actively competing — a reality that many women in sport silently endure.
Rather than stepping back, Aimee has continued to show up, compete, and speak out — turning her personal challenge into a platform for broader awareness.
A Wider Conversation on Women's Health
Incontinence following childbirth is far more common than publicly acknowledged. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects a significant proportion of women who have given birth, yet access to physiotherapy, specialist support, and open dialogue remains limited in many areas.
Healthcare professionals continue to urge women not to accept leaking as an inevitable part of post-natal life. Treatments ranging from pelvic floor exercises to surgical interventions exist and can dramatically improve quality of life.
Breaking the Silence
Stories like Aimee's are vital in dismantling the shame that surrounds women's health issues. By sharing her experience openly, she contributes to a growing movement encouraging women to seek help, speak to their doctors, and refuse to let incontinence define or limit their ambitions — whether in sport or everyday life.
If you are experiencing similar symptoms, speaking with a GP or pelvic health specialist is a recommended first step toward reclaiming control and confidence.
