Bladder and bowel control problems are very common. Look around – it could be you and others you know. Up to 1 in 5 Australians regularly experience bowel or bladder leakage (incontinence) which can affect their quality of life considerably. However, many do not seek advice or treatment often out of embarrassment.
If you find that you’re avoiding going out, planning your day around the toilet and missing out on your favourite activities (say goodbye to trampolining with the kids or dreading a sneeze) – be reassured these problems can be better managed or even cured.
Top Three Toilet Tips!
- Drink more water! If you avoid drinking, this will concentrate your urine, which can irritate the bladder and make you want to pass urine more often. Caffeine-containing drinks such as teas, coffees, soft-drinks, and alcohol can also irritate the bladder.
- Don’t go to the toilet ‘just in case’ – only go when you need to. If you often empty your bladder before it’s full, your bladder won’t get used to filling up properly, which means it’ll feel much fuller faster – making you run to the toilet earlier than usual.
- Do your pelvic floor exercises regularly. Do them now as you’re reading this! If you’re unsure what I’m talking about, head to your favourite GP or physiotherapist to teach and make sure you know how to do it properly – correct technique is key! Like working any muscle, the more you strengthen these, the more it can support your bowel and bladder.
There is help available by talking to your friendly GP