June 19, 2020
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is leaking of urine from the bladder.
There are 2 main types of UI
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) – this is leakage occurring during activity (such as lifting, laughing, coughing and sneezing) ) or exercise, when there is an increase in pressure in the abdomen which pushes downward on to the bladder.
- Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI) – this is leakage that occurs with urgency (when you have a sudden strong desire to void) and you don’t make it to the toilet in time
The Impact of Urinary Incontinence on a woman is large:
39% of people are less confident leaving the house
32% have their mental health and well being affected
25% have their relationships with family and friends affected
If you suffer from UI, you are not alone. UI affects more than 5 million Australians.
The good news is that there is lots of help and support out there so you don’t have to suffer alone.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you. Kirsty has post graduate training in the women’s and pelvic health and is passionate about empowering women to maintain optimal health and live their best lives. Latest research shows that 84% of women with UI improved with physiotherapy. Pelvic floor muscle strengthening under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist is recommended as first line treatment for urinary incontinence. An individualised assessment and treatment program is best, contact OHL or jump online
There are lots of helpful resources available online too. Check out the Continence Foundation of Australia www.continence.org.au for lots of useful information.
