•3.84 Million Australians suffer the indignity of urinary incontinence
•3.1 Million Women and 780,000 Men.
•Major impact on physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing.
•Consequences: embarrassment, social isolation. Stigma and financial cost.
Normal bladder/bowel control
•On average we pass urine 4-6 times during the day and up to twice at night.
•Your bladder should easily hold 350-500mls
•Normal bowel movements are anywhere from 3 times per day to 3 times per week
•The pelvic floor muscles are essential to controlling when we toilet. give us control
•Coordinated by the brain and nervous system
•Requires mobility and dexterity.
What is Incontinence?
1.Urinary (bladder)
2.Fecael(bowel)
3.Both
Symptoms of poor bladder and bowel control
•Leakage of urine with coughs, sneezes or exercise
•Leakage of urine on the way to the toilet
•Passing urine frequently
•Getting up twice or more over night
•Frequent urinary tract infections
•Feeling the bladder is not completely empty
•Poor urine flow
•Straining to get the bladder empty
•Rushing to the toilet
•Unable to control wind
•Constipation
•Wetting the bed when asleep
•Leaking of the bowel with/without urge to open the bowel or when passing wind.
Preventing and managing poor bladder and bowel control
•Eat well
•Drink well
•Exercise regularly
•Tone up your pelvic floor
•Practice good toilet habits
Tone up your pelvic floor
Muscles and fascia
Involved in controlling bladder and bowel continence
•Imagine you are trying to tighten or lift your vagina or testicles upwards
•Pelvic floor squeeze when experiencing urgency of bladder or bowel
•Other strategies: pressure, cross legs, toe curling and distraction
Continence Products
–Absorbent pads and pants
–Absorbent bed sheets and chair covers
–Penile sheath/external catheters
–Other products to help toileting (Commodes, bed pans, raised toilet seats).
What should you consider?
The best product is the one that works well, is comfortable and helps you have a normal life.
1.Your individual bowel or bladder control problem
2.Your personal lifestyle
3.Your mobility
4.Supply of products
5.Disposal
6.Washing guidelines
7.Cost
Where to seek help
•Local doctor/ GP
•Qualified continence nurses
•Women’s health or pelvic floor physiotherapist
•National Continence Helpline
–ph.: 1800330066
–Website:www.continence.org.au
•Australian Government website for Continence Aids payment Scheme: www.bladderbowel.gov.au
VHAP – Senior Physiotherapist Miche Hansen is passionate about educating and treating clients with pelvic health issues.
If you would like more information or would like to book an appointment with Miche please contact our team by phoning 49 279 190.