What if I can't feel my muscles working or they feel so weak when I try to exercise them?
This is a very common problem and because it is so difficult to contract the muscle you can become disheartened. There is a combination of healthcare professionals who can help you. The practice nurse or continence adviser (for your nearest Continence Clinic see www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/continence-clinic-directory) are often a good starting point and then if you need more advice your GP may also be able to give you guidance.
A women's health physiotherapist will be able to show you how to perform the exercises effectively if you need additional help. Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health are a specially trained group of physiotherapists who will be able to assess and examine your pelvic floor muscles and use techniques to help you contract your pelvic floor muscles effectively. They will also give you a tailor made treatment programme and help you restore strength and function to this vital muscle group. They will regularly see you and review your progress which will help you to remain motivated so that you can achieve the best results possible.
Ways of Managing LAI Day-to-Day
- Drink lots of water (2 to 2.5 litres a day) and try to remove caffeine products from your diet as this irritates the bladder making it feel more urgent
- Pelvic floor exercises are also very important. It is worth seeking a good physiotherapist who can help you do them properly to strengthen the muscle
- Test your ‘mid-stream' by holding onto your pelvic floor as you're passing urine.
- Always Envive pads are also a great option for coping with leaks throughout the day and are comfortable and discreet too so you can continue with daily life in the confidence that you are protected
- Consider losing weight if you are overweight as the more weight you carry around the greater the pressure on your bladder
- If having tried these strategies you still have a problem it is worth talking to your doctor about other options
Dr Suzy Elneil is a Consultant in Urogynaecology has helped many women with Light Adult Incontinence (LAI).
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