For a long time, incontinence was something most of us didn’t like to talk about, but it is something we don’t need to live with. World Continence Week 2019 encourages women to not suffer in silence anymore. This year’s theme is to ‘laugh without leaking’ and to ‘make pelvic floor exercises a daily habit … so you can laugh without leaking’.
This video gives you examples of when you can do your Pelvic Floor Exercises during the day!
Research shows that 1 in 4 Australians are incontinent and 1 in 5 Australians leak when they laugh. Pelvic floor function is vital to help women manage their incontinence. Seeing a Women’s Health Physiotherapist for an appropriate assessment is the first step to help you get a better understanding of your incontinence.
A Women’s Health Physiotherapy Assessment starts with a comprehensive history about your pelvic floor function, bladder and bowel habits, sexual and obstetric background. We usually recommend an internal vaginal examination. Although not always required, this can really help us properly assess your pelvic floor function, which will in turn help us work out what the appropriate treatment option is for you. Following the initial assessment, we will then come up with the best management plan for you. This may involve a pelvic floor strengthening program, retraining of your bladder habits, relaxation and breathing techniques, possible lifestyle changes and in some cases, the use of specific pelvic floor equipment may be indicated (e.g. electrical stimulation unit or weighted pelvic floor training tools). We will also determine if any further input from other health professionals or onward referral is needed.
The Continence Foundation of Australia has developed a simple yet effective quiz for women to take. If you answer YES to any of the questions, then you should see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist so they can help you with your potential bladder or bowel problem.
Take the quiz HERE
If you have experienced any incontinence or want to help prevent this from happening to you in the future, then book an appointment with our Women’s Health Physiotherapist Bonnie at Bend + Mend in Martin Place to discuss options on returning to a life of continence confidence. No more suffering in silence!
