Becky Weaver, one of our physiotherapists who specializes in Women’s Health, tips us on the following article from The Canadian Continence Foundation.
“The Canadian Continence Foundation (TCCF) and the Canadian Foundation for Women’s Health (CFWH) have partnered together to help raise awareness and educate women who may be suffering from urinary incontinence. Here are a few facts, helpful tips and signs that may indicate an incontinence problem:
Did you know?
1. The definition of urinary incontinence (stress incontinence and overactive bladder) is any involuntary or uncontrolled loss or leakage of urine irrespective of the amount, frequency or effect of leakage.
2. Up to 30% or almost a third of all women may suffer from urinary incontinence.
3. Women 20 years of age and older are affected by this problem; the risk increases significantly after the age of 65.
4. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause urinary incontinence.
5. Urinary incontinence can seriously interfere with your quality of life and social functions. Unfortunately, most women are too embarrassed to talk about urinary incontinence.
6. Non-invasive surgeries, like a mid-urethral sling surgery, are commonly used to treat stress urinary incontinence.
7. Medications frequently used to treat overactive bladder are available as a pill, patch or transdermal gel. Newer medications are often associated with fewer side effects.
8. Before opting for medication or surgery, urinary incontinence can be improved by simple measures like lifestyle modification, pelvic floor muscle training (kegel exercises) or vaginal pessaries.
9. Urinary incontinence in women can be managed by your primary care physician, a nurse continence advisor, a physiotherapist or a specialist who is a gynaecologist, urogynaecologist, or urologist.
10. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, speak to your physiotherapist about all your options and find one that is right for you.
Love your body, take care of it.
