Between 3 and 5 million people in the UK have bladder weakness or incontinence and whilst the popular misconception is that the condition is only a problem of old age, this is not necessarily the case. Around 1 in 4 women over 40 experience some bladder weakness. If you've ever leaked a little after laughing too hard or after a sneezing fit, that's bladder weakness in its mildest form.
Bladder weakness can have a huge impact on the lives of people with the condition, everyday activities such as shopping, going to the cinema or attending social events are all affected.
Incontinence
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3-5 million people in the UK have bladder weakness
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1 in 4 women in the UK over 40 experience bladder weakness
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Bladder weakness is a common side effect of childbirth
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Bladder weakness affects 6-10% of the population - more than hayfever!
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Ratio of females to male with bladder weakness = 2:1
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42% of people with bladder weakness are too embarrassed to talk about it at all and never see a doctor.
What different types of bladder weakness are there?
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Stress incontinence - where you experience leakage when you cough, sneeze or exercise
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Urgency - where you have to rush to the toilet and don't always make it in time or you pass urine more often than you used to. You can't empty your bladder completely or your urine stream stops and starts. The urine flow is slower than it used to be.
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Frequency - where you go to the loo more than eight times a day. wetting the bed in your sleep or have to get up more than twice a night to go to the toilet
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Stress incontinence and urgency at the same time is known as 'mixed symptoms'
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Overflow incontinence - where you can't stop your bladder from constantly leaking, or continuing to dribble for some time after you have passed urine.
The bladder weakness sufferer
The person suffering with bladder weakness tends to arrange their life around it and it becomes a demanding, tiring condition. Most people will wait a long time before seeing a doctor about their condition:
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33% wait 1-5 years before seeing a doctor
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25% wait more than 5 years before seeing a doctor
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42% are too embarrassed to discuss it at all and never see a doctor
Advice and treatment for people with bladder weakness
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Pads and Pants: there is a wide range of different pads and pants available for the varying types of bladder weakness. Whilst these will not improve the condition, they allow people experiencing bladder weakness to gain some control over their bladder weakness and to carry on with their lives.
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Making an appointment to see a specialist Continence Advisor. You can self-refer and details of your nearest C.A. can be found at www.incontact.co.uk OR www.continence-foundation.org.uk
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Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the bladder so limit their intake. Constipation can also contribute to bladder control ? problems, so eat healthy, high fibre foods to help stay regular.
If you are planning a trip
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Buy a more absorbent product than usual for extra long journeys, in case there are delays or you can't get to a toilet easily
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On trains and planes it should be possible to arrange to have a seat near to a toilet
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Consider taking plastic bags with you for disposing of used pads or pants.
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Watch your weight - even a few pounds can make a difference to bladder weakness. For example, a 5-10% weight loss can help improve bladder control by reducing intra-abdominal pressure.
For more severe bladder weakness there are a number of treatment options available:
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Electrical stimulation: this can help some people to strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce the sensitivity of an overactive bladder.
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Medication: there are drugs available which help reduce the urgency to go to the toilet during the day and at night.
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Surgery: surgery is an option for some patients although this is unusual
Products
Athena Pelvic Muscle Trainer - www.athenafem.co.uk 0870 991 4554
Vaginal weights from Boots the Chemist
The pelvic toner and Pelvicisor - available from www.pelvictoner.co.uk
The Vielle pelvic floor toning system - go to www.vielle.co.uk
Yentrev tablets - On prescription only. See your GP
Helplines
www.incontact.org
www.continence-foundation.org.uk
www.incontact.org
www.continence-foundation.org.uk
www.depend.com/uk