MANAGING BLADDER CONTROL
Bladder weakness is a common problem but it is not ‘normal’ or ‘inevitable’. Unfortunately it can often be ignored or denied as well.
If you experience bladder weakness symptoms it is important that you talk to your GP or other relevant healthcare professional, to understand about different forms of treatment and/or be referred to a continence nurse advisor or continence physiotherapist.
Here are some options you might be offered:
– Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
This is a common treatment that can lead to dramatic improvements in simple cases of urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor muscles help to
hold the bladder, uterus and bowel in place.
With the appropriate professional advice you can learn the correct way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles through exercises.
To be really informed, visit www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au for more information.
– Teach your bladder better habits
Here’s another common treatment that can give good results and is also important for a healthier lifestyle.
There are 4 easy steps:
1 Try not to go to the bathroom ‘just in case’. This produces a lazy bladder that gets in the habit of believing it needs regular emptying!
2 Try to only go to the bathroom when your bladder is full and you really need to go
3 Don’t rush emptying your bladder. Take your time because rushing can result in incomplete emptying and can sometimes result in
urinary infection
4 Keep yourself healthy and maintain a healthy weight – and don’t smoke
(for more advice about a healthier you, talk to your GP or other relevant healthcare professional)