INFORMATION - Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some common questions that people may ask a health care professional:

How do I know if I am at risk of developing incontinence?
Can the medicines I take affect my bladder or bowel control?
Can my diet affect my bladder control?
What is the pelvic floor muscle and what are Kegel, or pelvic floor muscle exercises?
Can I retrain my bladder and take control again?
What type of continence product do I need?

Do You Have Another Question?

To find out more information about a particular continence issue please contact a continence advisor at the Continence Advisory Service.

1. How do I know if I am at risk of developing incontinence?

Do you feel the need to go to the toilet regularly but once on the toilet you only pass a small amount of urine?

Do you ever leak urine or faeces?

Do you leak when you cough, sneeze or laugh?

Do you go to the toilet "just in case"?

Do you get up at night two or more times to go to the toilet?

When you have to go, is it urgent?

If you answered yes to any of the above then you are at risk of developing incontinence. A cure or better management is only a phone call away. Contact us NOW on (08) 9386 9777.

4. What is the pelvic floor muscle and what are Kegel, or pelvic floor muscle exercises?

The Pelvic floor muscle supports the pelvic organs, including the bladder and bowel. Damage to these muscles can cause incontinence. Some ways that the pelvic floor muscles can be weakened include pregnancy and childbirth, straining to empty your bowels (constipation), constant heavy lifting, persistent coughing, being overweight and unfit, and prostate surgery. Regular pelvic floor muscle exercises improve many continence problems as well as enhancing sexual function and sensation.

To receive information on how to do pelvic floor muscle exercises contact us on (08) 9386 9777.

2. Can the medicines I take affect my bladder and/or bowel control?

Some medicines can affect your bladder and bowel control and you should discuss with your doctor any side effects and/or problems you may experience. Your pharmacist can also provide advice on the effect your medication may have on your bladder and/or bowel. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned that your bladder or bowel may be affected by medicines.

5. Can I retrain my bladder and take control again?

Yes, the bladder can be retrained. A bladder training program is usually based on learning strategies that will assist you to hold on longer, go less often, and to pass more urine when you go to the toilet. It is important to have a comprehensive continence assessment by a continence nurse or continence physiotherapist so a specific program can be worked out for you.

3. Can my diet affect my bladder and/or bowel control?

Diet is instrumental in preventing and improving many bladder and bowel control problems. Poor fluid intake along with a lack of sufficient fibre can result in constipation. Straining to empty the bowels weakens the pelvic floor muscles, and this may in turn lead to problems with bladder and bowel control.

Ensure you eat 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables daily, drink 6 - 8 glasses of fluid per day (unless your doctor advises otherwise), and limit tea, coffee, cola and alcohol.

Some people find that certain foods and drinks may upset their bladder and bowels.

6. What type of continence product do I need?

There is a wide range of incontinence products available from many supermarkets and pharmacies. To ensure that the use of products is appropriate a continence assessment is advisable. Contact us on (08) 9386 9777 to receive details of your local continence nurse who can assist you in selecting products appropriate to your needs.

Some products are available for purchase direct from the supplier in bulk. The Continence Advisory Service has a product database providing details of products and suppliers. Contact us for further information or click here for the Incontinence Aids and Products page in this website..