Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a medical condition
which affects an estimated 14 million people, of all ages, in the
UK1. Statistics show that the majority of sufferers are
female, affecting one in five women who are over 40 years of
age2.
Types of urinary incontinence
|
Stress
|
The involuntary loss of urine during physical activities
such
as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or other
ordinary movements
|
|
Urge or urgency
|
A sudden compelling desire to pass urine
|
|
Mixed
|
A combination of urge and stress urinary
incontinence
|
|
Overflow
|
The involuntary loss of urine resulting from an overfilled
bladder without any corresponding feeling or urge to pass
urine
|
| |
|
Treatment
|
Lifestyle advice
|
Discussing weight, fitness regime, diet
and fluid intake
|
|
Pelvic floor exercises
|
Using biofeedback equipment
|
|
Drug therapy
|
Blocking the release of messages from nerves in the
bladder
|
| Surgical options |
Includes sling procedures to support the urethra |
| Botox treatment |
Controling the bladder’s nerves with
botox injections and lasts around 12 months
|
| |
|
| Press coverage |
'Botox jab that cured my very personal problem' - Daily
Mail |
References
1 - Bladder and Bowel Foundation,
http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/
- Populus Research interviewed 1040 adults aged 18+ years between
9-22 June 2008. 23% reported a bladder control problem and 11% a
bowel control problem
2– National Health Service, http://www.nhs.uk/