Regular exercise of the pelvic floor muscles is as important to all women as doing breast self-examination. After all, a woman’s chance of developing incontinence during her lifetime is much greater than breast cancer. And what an impact on her quality of life!
Dr Linda Brubaker, Director of Research and Head of Urogynecology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, US
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence is the accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. Research indicates that the frequency of Urinary Incontinence is much higher than expected. Studies show that 2% to as much as 60% of people experience Urinary Incontinence at some stage in their lives.
Causes
Urinary Incontinence can often be associated with inclining age, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, pelvic pain due to childbirth, cystitis, post surgery, post trauma or following injury.
Symptoms
If you suffer from incontinence, you probably have two or more of the following symptoms:
- Involuntary loss of urine or a continuous leakage of urine from the
bladder. - A frequent and urgent need to urinate.
- A feeling that your bladder is constantly full or that it isn’t
empty after you have urinated. - Difficulty urinating even if you have the urge.
- Releases of urine triggered by movement or by coughing, sneezing,
or laughing. - The need to get up repeatedly at night to urinate.
- A start-and-stop stream during urination.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are two predominant types of Urinary Incontinence
- Stress Incontinence and Urge Incontinence.
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence is the most common form of Urinary Incontinence that affects both men and women. Stress Incontinence is when the bladder leaks, perhaps with a cough or sneeze, or during light or strenuous activity that puts strain on the bladder. This is generally due to weakness in the Pelvic Floor muscles.
Urge Incontinence
Urge Incontinence involves a strong, sudden need to urinate. The bladder then contracts, leading to urine leakage. Urge Incontinence can affect both men and women. In most cases, people may have Stress Incontinence or Urge Incontinence or a mixture of both.
Post Pregnancy Incontinence
Women are particularly at risk of Urinary Incontinence after pregnancy and childbirth, when their pelvic floor muscleshave been weakened. For most women, the problem resolves itself within a few weeks of childbirth. For some women, trauma to the nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor during childbirth can make the problem worse and incontinence may persist for several months after giving birth.
Urinary Incontinence is one of the least talked about side-effects of pregnancy and childbirth, but is extremely common. It is usually mild and infrequent but on occasion, it can be severe, interfering with normal daily activities.
Treatment
For many, Urinary Incontinence can be an embarrassing and sensitive topic, but it needn’t be. The good news is – it’s treatable and in most cases can be treated successfully with straight forward pelvic floor exercises. Our Women’s Health Physiotherapist will teach you how to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bowel, urethra and
vagina.
If contracting pelvic floor muscles proves ineffective for you, Biofeedback and Electrotherapy may be used to help activate and stimulate the muscles.
What else can I do to take care of myself?
- Reduce foods and beverages that contain caffeine, like coffee, tea,
and chocolate. - Reduce your intake of alcohol and carbonated drinks, since these
can irritate the bladder. - Drink 2 to 4 pints of water a day. Do not limit your intake of
water as this will make the problem worse not better - Add fibre to your diet if you have trouble with constipation.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking can make you cough, triggering urine
leaks. - If you have mobility problems, make sure there’s a clear path to
the bathroom. Wear clothes that you can take off easily. - Use absorbent pads for security, and change them regularly.
- Keep a night light on to help you get to the toilet more easily at
night.
It is important to remember that patients should not suffer incontinence in silence. If you have this problem, book in for a considerate and confidential appointment with our Women’s Health Physiotherapists who will examine you and advise you as to the best solution for your particular form of incontinence.
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