Bladder weakness is an issue that many women struggle with, yet are too ashamed to speak openly about due to social stigmas. It is estimated that millions of Australian women suffer from bladder weakness, but do nothing to address it. A recent survey by TENA lights identified the lack of address comes down to two prevailing factors — 55.9% of Australian females think it’s normal to leak a little urine every now and then, and 59.6% feel too embarrassed to talk or do anything about it.
There is also an overwhelming amount of bad information out there about bladder weakness and exactly who suffers from it. While many assume it is a problem that only women over the age of 40 suffer from, in fact 18% of Australian women aged 25-29 and 40% of women aged 30-34 have experienced this problem.
To start the conversation we clearly need to have, we asked Jane Le Fevre, Physiotherapist Expert for lights by TENA about the causes, symptoms, and cures for bladder weakness.
RESCU: Bladder weakness isn’t really something that comes up in conversation all that often so many women may not realise how common it is. Can you shed some light on this and tell us a little about the type of person who commonly experiences bladder weakness?
Jane Le Fevre: Bladder leakage and pelvic floor weakness is more common than hayfever! 1 in 3 women over the age of 35 will experience bladder weakness at some time in their lives.
RESCU: What are some of the things that cause bladder weakness? Are some women naturally more susceptible to bladder weakness than others?
Jane Le Fevre: Being overweight, having a baby or a few babies, smoking, chronic urinary tract infections, drinking too much caffeine, not drinking enough water or eating an imbalanced diet and not getting enough exercise can all contribute to reducing your pelvic floor control. Hormonal changes, such as menstruation and menopause will influence the ability of your pelvic floor to stabilise your pelvis and prevent leakage. Some medical conditions such as Parkinsons’ disease, and diabetes can lead to bladder leakage as well. Women (and men) who are genetically floppy- they are bendy, flexible people, tend to be more prone to pelvic floor weakness.
RESCU: What can we do to strengthen our bladder?
Jane Le Fevre: Exercise your pelvic floor regularly, both gentle slow contractions and strong fast contractions, throughout the day. The more varied your positions the better, so practice in standing, sitting, lying and coughs and sneezes are a great time to practice the strong contractions!
The Pelvic Floor runs from your pubic bone at the front of your pelvis to the coccyx at the back. Imagine this sling of muscles is like two elevator doors. As you lift it, imagine the doors closing together and then lifting towards your head. The rest of your body should stay still.
Watch the video below for some basic strengthening exercises.
RESCU: And are there any procedures available that will reverse bladder weakness?
Jane Le Fevre: There are both conservative and surgical treatments available, depending on your situation and your health practitioners assessment. Conservative treatment is always advisable as a first port of call.
RESCU: Finally, what words of advice would you offer women experiencing and embarrassed about bladder weakness?
Jane Le Fevre: Try not to be embarrassed, take note of when your leakage happens, and start exercising your pelvic floor and watching your posture. Keep this up for 2-3 weeks and if you aren’t seeing change seek help from your local womens’ health physiotherapist. While you are working on the problem, make sure you use a product, such as Lights by Tena, which is specifically designed for light bladder leakage- you will be much more comfortable and confident!
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