As women, we seem so manage to soldier on in all circumstances, and none more so than when it comes to our control down below! When groups of women get together, it seems to be a running joke about why we can’t jump with the kids on the bouncy castle or run after them like you used to. It seems to be accepted that you will leak urine as you get older, but it is time to break that misconception!
This week Clemmia Hooper, best known as ‘Mother of Daughters’ posted about her visit to the womens health physiotherapist that she had been putting off since the birth of her twins. The comments below the post really shocked me, with so many mums saying they had known it was a problem for years but had no idea where to turn!
Am I the only one?
After reading so many posts, I did a quick poll on my own Instagram. It may not be reliable data, but I know I have a group of highly motivated working mothers following me.
- Over 300 people voted in the poll
- The results showed that 48% of them had experienced some incontinence during pregnancy or since having a baby.
- Shockingly, out of almost 150 voters, only 24% said they had seen anyone for help with these issues!
What should I do first?
My main piece of advice is that if you find you are leaking urine when you cough/sneeze, or get sudden urges to rush to the toilet with little warning then you should see your GP. Don’t worry, in most circumstances nothing invasive will be required. There are lots of treatments that could help you, although it does take some commitment from your side too!
What will I be offered?
First you will have a full assessment of your symptoms, a discussion of the factors that result in the episodes of incontinence, an examination and a urine dip test.
🚽The first thing your GP will advise is pelvic floor exercises – these are great just after childbirth to help strengthen and maintain your muscles. However, if you have been doing these without much improvement it is time to move on because they are unlikely to be sufficient!
🚽Keep a bladder diary – you can download this online – it will help for future appointments!
🚽It is important to cut out food or drinks that make the problem worse such as caffeine so write down what you are having!
🚽If the above doesn’t work, you will be advised for further tests such as urodynamics. You may need an ultrasounds scan if you have previously had a tear from childbirth.
After this you may see a urogynaecologist who will recommend the next steps.
Where your GP will refer you depends on your history
- If you have a prolapse, previous severe injury during childbirth, bladder pain or other complicating factors you may be referred directly to the subsection of gynaecology that deals with these issues… urogynaecology.
- Otherwise, your GP can refer you to Women’s Health physiotherapy – these guys are AMAZING and can make some improvement to practically all cases! They will examine you internally, perform specific tests and advise certain exercises depending on your case. You will often have a number of sessions where you work together, and also supplement the sessions with exercises you work on at home.
This is me at 36 weeks pregnant, working in urogynaecology clinic and loving it… That was because it was the only clinic room that had a toilet in the room. It comes in handy when you need to go between every patient!!
What was your experience? Have you tried physio and did you find it helpful? Leave me a comment with your thoughts!