WOMEN'S BLADDER

Women's Bladder Concerns

Women's

Bladder Concerns

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Do you leak wee when you cough/sneeze or exercise?

Do you have to rush to the toilet when you feel the urge to wee?

Are you always looking for a toilet and going just in case?

Are you wearing pads or liners?

Do you find that your urine stream stops/starts or do you have difficulty starting your wee?

Do you suffer from recurrent UTI’s (urinary tract infections)?

What can cause bladder concerns?

Childbirth and pregnancy

Pelvic floor muscle issues (weakness/too tight)

Constipation

Prolapse of the pelvic organs

Weight changes (particularly an increase in abdominal fat)

Chronic cough and repeated heavy lifting

How can my Physiotherapy services help you?

Physiotherapy can help your bladder problems, for most women, we are able to restore your full control or provide you with a substantial improvement in your quality of life.


 I will provide you with an individualised assessment and treatment plan for your bladder issue.


Treatment may include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle training
  • Advice and education on your bladder habits
  • Bladder retraining
  • TENS
  • Bowel management as needed

Pregnancy and Pelvic Health Diaries

Do you want to know more about your bladder?

How do I contract my pelvic floor muscles?

By Cara Richmond • October 15, 2022
What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that are about as thick as the palm of your hand and they create the “floor” of your pelvic attaching from your pubic bone at the front to your coccyx bone at the back. What does the Pelvic Floor do? The pelvic floor helps to maintain control of your poo and wee, they also help to support your pelvic organs (bladder, bowel and uterus), helping to prevent them falling down into your vagina (prolapse). The pelvic floor also helps your sexual function, contributing to orgasm and arousal. How to contract your Pelvic Floor Muscles? These muscles are hidden inside our body and it can be very hard to know if we are actually contracting the muscles the right way. A lot of women actually perform the wrong movement which results in straining and pushing down of the muscles. To contract your muscles the right way I suggest the following: Sitting down on a chair, feet and back well supported Let your belly relax Palms facing up Now imagine that you are trying to stop your wee, squeeze and lift your pelvic floor muscles If the muscles are being squeezed the right way, you should feel a very small movement of your vagina lifting up from the chair Try and hold for 2-3 seconds and then relax the muscles As you relax the muscles you should feel your vagina drop into the chair Repeat this 10 times Other cues for contracting your pelvic floor muscles Imagine holding in wind Imagine drawing a tampon up your vagina Remember to not hold your breath, avoid clenching your inner thighs, jaw and buttock area

What is an overactive bladder?

By Cara Richmond • October 15, 2022
What is an overactive bladder? An overactive bladder is a common condition that causes an individual to experience sudden and uncontrollable urges to wee. For some people the urge is so strong that they have a bladder accident (incontinence) either at the same time the have the sudden urge to wee or enroute to the toilet. Some people will experience the sudden urge to wee, but be able to make it to the toilet n time. An overactive bladder can be a stressful condition that can cause anxiety and fear around leaving the house, being able to find a toilet when out and being able to hold on when the urge comes on. What are the symptoms of an overactive bladder: Urgency Frequency Incontinence Nocturia (night time weeing) What can cause an overactive bladder? There are many factors which can contribute to an over active bladder. These can include: Small bladder size Extra strong bladder contractions Caffeine intake e.g. tea, coffee Carbonated drinks e.g. coke, Pepsi max Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis Hormonal changes Pelvic floor dysfunction Urinary tract infections What can be done to help an overactive bladder? There are lots of treatments which can be effective in reducing your symptoms. These can include: Bladder retraining TENS Pelvic floor muscle training (sometimes it’s about relaxing the muscles not just strengthening) Reducing caffeine and soft drinks Ensuring you drink enough fluid over the day Bladder emptying techniques Medications Rest assured you do not need to put up with your bladder symptoms. Your Pregnancy and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can help develop you a tailored plan to restore your bladder control and life.

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