Why put up with a leaky bladder?

You wouldn’t put up with a leaking roof - why put up with a leaky bladder

1.1 Million New Zealanders experience incontinence (bladder and bowel problems; that is 1 in 4 people.

You wouldn’t put up with a leaking roof - why put up with a leaky bladder

This can put a strain on every relationship or function in your life including family, employment and/or financial. 

There are many reason you might experience incontinence (bladder and bowel problems) but it is not a natural part of aging or having children as many people believe.

Do you;
Leak when you cough, laugh, sneeze or exercise?
Know where every toilet is but can’t make it in time?
Get up frequently at night to go to the bathroom?

Don’t accept this as normal. 

According to the NZ Continence Association, an estimated 70% of people living with incontinence do not discuss the issue, even with their GP, often due to embarrassment, despite studies showing most cases can be cured or better managed.

Most problems can be treated with conservative management that can include toilet training and/or pelvic floor exercise.  Pelvic floor muscle exercises are highly effective for preventing and treating stress incontinence. 

Surgery and pads are a last resort.  A Physiotherapy NZ survey showed that while 90% were aware of pads as an aid, only 36% were aware that physiotherapy could help.  It is important to learn about effective solutions that can improve your quality of life and prevent irreversible problems later on.

The slogan for this year’s World Continence Week (24-30 June) is Talk about Incontinence: A problem in anyone’s language.  It is essential that people talk openly about incontinence from all population groups.  Translations for non-English speaking communities and health professionals are available by clicking the link on the homepage at www.continence.org.nz

The NZ Continence Assn provides free information on a range of continence subjects and services at www.continence.org or you can phone 0800 650 659.

ENDS

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