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. (Men can also experience Urinary Incontinence, commonly occurring after investigations for or treatment of prostate gland problems. For more information, click here).

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.

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. If contracting pelvic floor muscles proves ineffective for you, Biofeedback and Electrotherapy may be used to help activate and stimulate the muscles.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

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. Most cases of Stress Incontinence can be successfully treated with straight forward pelvic floor exercises which our Physiotherapist can assist you with.

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, Urge Incontinence can be successfully treated by our women's and men's health Physiotherapist using a series of simple yet effective pelvic floor muscle exercises.

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 muscles have 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. Our Women's Health Physiotherapist can help to overcome these difficulties by teaching you to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bowel, urethra and vagina.

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 Eimear who will examine you and advise you as to the best solution for your particular form of incontinence.

 

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