bladder dysfunction

BLADDER incontinence

This is such a common symptom among women and is often not discussed. It can happen to women of all ages however it tends to be more prevalent after childbirth, around perimenopause/menopause, or with high levels of stress on the pelvic floor such as high-impact sports/weight lifting or a chronic cough.

There are various types of Incontinence but all have treatment options.

stress urinary incontinence

This is where leaking from the bladder is experienced with a forceful activity such as coughing, sneezing, lifting or jumping.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is advised as the first line of treatment for these symptoms and is generally very successful.

urgency

This is described as a sudden and intense need to pass urine that can not be put off. This can happen even when your bladder is not full.

Sometimes you may not make it to the toilet on time and may leak - this is called urge incontinence.

frequency

This is going to the toilet many times during the day (usually more than 7 or more than your previous normal frequency)

If you need to wake up more than once at night to go to the toilet this is called Nocturia.

TREATMENT FOR AN OVERACTIVE BLADDER

Often the best treatment encompasses a team approach.

Your GP - It is always advised to discuss any of these symptoms with your GP. They can do tests such as urine/blood tests or any further investigations that might be needed. They can also discuss medication options with you.

Urologists - Consultants who specialise in this area who you may be referred to for investigations and more advanced treatment options if they are required

Physiotherapy - A Women’s Health Physiotherapist can help you with the following

  • Bladder diary - this can assess your bladder function and habits through a diary

  • Lifestyle factors such as certain food and drink that might be contributing to your symptoms, for example, caffeine is a known bladder irritant

  • Urge defer techniques to help you get to the toilet on time and retrain your bladder

  • Bladder retraining - might consist of teaching you to gradually increase the time between voiding

  • Constipation management as this can contribute to bladder symptoms

  • Pelvic floor exercises

TREATMENT FOR STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE

Physiotherapy and pelvic floor exercises are a noninvasive and very effective for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. This is why guidelines advise it as the first line of treatment.

The benefits are maximised if the exercises are practiced consistently and correctly with a progressive loading plan with your Women’s Physiotherapist.

Continence devices can also be discussed and utilised to help to control your symptoms.