Midlife Motivation
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Urinary Incontinence
Problems with your bladder?
Because of lower oestrogen levels during the menopause and beyond, the vagina and urinary tract can respond by becoming thin and dry. Experts also say menopausal women may suffer from dribbling and urgency as the sphincter muscle becomes weak due to lack of oestrogen and enables urine to escape when coughing, laughing or carrying heavy weights.
In this article you will find sections on ►self help ►surgery ►helpful organisations along with a list of other useful product links and Related Links below.
On a personal note, I get caught out when a wave of laughter comes over me.
I do own incontinence pads but seem incapable of actually wearing one as I try to keep my dignity in tact, which of course, is ridiculous. The main thing I try to do is not to feel bad about what is actually a very normal midlife symptom that millions of us have to put up with.
Susan Loveday
Self Help
However, symptoms can improve with self help including retraining the bladder, Kegel exercises, cycling and swimming plus drinking more water! Your other options are HRT in the form of patches, tablets or creams. Or take a look at complimentary therapies which have been known to relieve symptoms (see Related Links at the bottom of this page which offers Information, Holistic health news and a searchable directory of practitioners in the UK).
Surgery
If you have stress incontinence and other treatments haven't been effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to support your bladder neck and urethra. There are several different surgical procedures - your doctor will explain the options with you.
Helpful Organisations
Below we have listed professional organisations who offer help. Check out these websites which are full of useful tips and advice:
Bladder & Bowel Foundation
SATRA Innovation Park
Rockingham Road
Kettering, Northants, NN16 9JH
Nurse helpline for medical advice: 0845 345 0165
Counsellor helpline: 0870 770 3246
General enquiries: 01536 533255
Help for those with any bladder or bowel problems
www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
Incontact
SATRA Innovation Park
Rockingham Rd
Kettering
Northants
NN16 9JH
Membership organisation providing information,
advice and support for people with bladder or bowel continence problems.
Tel: 0870 770 3246
www.incontact.org
Birmingham and Solihull Bladder Clinic
BMI The Priory Hospital
Priory Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B5 7UG
Tel: 0870 850 3865
Fax: 0121 446 1679
www.thebladderclinic.co.uk/
The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation
Tel: 01908 569169
www.cobfoundation.org
The Continence Foundation
Tel: 0845 3450165
www.continence-foundation.org.uk
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