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Many women have bladder and bowel control problems. Often the first signs of poor control happens during pregnancy or following childbirth. Having said that women who have not been pregnant can develop bladder and bowel control.
The common symptoms
- Passing urine frequently
- Rushing to the toilet to pass urine
- Leaking urine on the way to the toilet
- Leaking urine with coughing and sneezing or exercise
- Getting up twice or more over night to pass urine
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Rushing to the toilet to open your bowel
- Unable to control wind
- Having to strain often to empty your bowel
If you answer 'Yes" to any of these symptoms you may have a bladder or bowel control problem.
Don't ignore the problem, they rarely go away and usually get worse.
Talk to your GP or call the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66
Treatments are available to improve your control
Factors in poor control
The main issue for women is weakness of pelvic floor muscles. These muscles give control over the bladder and bowel. They stretch from the tail bone to the pubic bone. They specifically support the urethra (outlet to the bladder) and the anus (back Passage).
Pregnancy is a time of many changes to a woman's body. Changes in shape and weight gain are factors that may cause pelvic floor weakness.
Childbirth causes trauma to the pelvic floor that may result in weakness.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of constipation and therefore the risk of straining to empty your bowels. Breast feeding changes the levels of oestrogen that may cause vaginal dryness and weakness to the pelvic floor muscles. Once you have stopped breast feeding you may notice your bladder symptoms improve but the muscle weakness may remain and cause problems later.
Weight gain commonly occurs during pregnancy or following childbirth. Excessive weight gain puts added strain onthe pelvic floor muscles causing them to weaken.
Constipation may be caused by the weak pelvic floor muscles. Straining to empty your bowels will further weaken these muscles.
Some simple habits to keep you in control - or to regain control
Keep your pelvic floor toned.
-practice good pelvic floor exercises for better bladder and bowel control.
- Squeeze lift and hold as if you were trying not to pass wind.
- Hold the squeeze and lift for a count of eight.
- Relax and let go you should feel a distinct 'letting go'
- Repeat the squeeze lift and hold 8 times.
- Do three sets of these exercises each day.
It can be difficult to 'find' your pelvic floor muscles. If you are having difficulties with these exercises get help by calling the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.
East Well - to avoid constipations and keep your weight within a healthy range
Drink well - make water your first choice, cut down on bladder irritants such as coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and alcohol. Aim to drink 1.5-2 litres of fluid each day.
Exercise regularly - helps in toning the pelvic floor, weight control and preventing constipation. Keep moving, aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days. Walking is a great way of achieving your 30 minutes.
Practice good toilet habits - go to the toilet when your bladder feels full or when you get the urge to open your bowels. Don't go to the toilet 'just in case'. Take time to completely empty your bladder and bowels.
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