Physiotherapy can help you with Urinary Incontinence
Incontinence is common but NOT normal.
Approximately 7 million women in the UK, suffer from some degree of pelvic floor dysfunction but many are too embarrassed to seek help. A UK population-based cross-sectional study found that approx 1 in 4 women has urinary incontinence (Cooper et al 2015), 1 in 10 faecal incontinence and 1 in 12 prolapse.
A 2011 study in the journal of obstetrics and gynaecology also showed that incontinence doubles the risk of post-natal depression.
This prevalence is due to common changes in a woman’s health and body, such as pregnancy, hormonal changes, menopause and ageing (www.incontinence.co.uk).
The first line of treatment for these problems recommended by the current NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines in 2019 is individualised and supervised pelvic floor exercises for at least 3 months.
“Fact: More people suffer from bladder problems than from asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy.”
There are lots of different causes of incontinence and there are also many different treatments available.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence is defined as any involuntary leakage of urine. The main types of incontinence are:
1. Stress Incontinence (SUI)
Involuntary leakage of urine due to an increase in abdominal pressure with activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing and physical exertion such as lifting or exercise.
2. Urge urinary incontinence (UUI)
Involuntary leakage of urine, accompanied by, or preceeded by a sudden desire to pass urine which is difficult to defer (urgency).
Urge urinary incontinence is also called “overactive bladder” (OAB). OAB defined as urinary urgency, with or without incontinence is associated with increased frequency, and nocturia (being up more than once overnight to empty the bladder).
3. Mixed Urinary Incontinence(MUI)
Both SUI and Urge incontinence when leakage is associated with both urgency and physical stress
4. Overflow incontinence
Underactivity of the bladder muscle or bladder outlet obstruction results in urinary retention and leakage of urine. You may feel the bladder has been incompletely emptied or there may be hesitancy or straining to initiate urination.
Most common causes/contributors of incontinence include:
- Pregnancy
- Child birth
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Chronic Constipation
- Surgery
- Infection
- Neurological conditions
- Poor fluid intake
What will happen during my first session with my Women’s Health Physio?
During your first appointment, the assessment will be tailored to your needs and concerns. This may involve an internal vaginal examination (to assess pelvic floor muscle function and strength, technique of pelvic floor muscle contraction, prolapse, and any areas of scar tissue/pain). This will be fully explained at your appointment and it can be declined.
At the end of the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain your condition and discuss management/treatment options which may include (but not limited to) lifestyle modification, pressure management strategies, fluid advice, bladder training and pelvic floor muscle strengthening/relaxation exercises.