On Wednesday 6 October, Consultant Urogynaecologist, Mr Abhishek Gupta and Nurse Specialist, Jan Chaseley hosted a webinar of female incontinence.
Mr Gupta and Nurse Specialist, Jan Chaseley shared their expert knowledge of the causes of bladder problems, the symptoms to look out for and the self-pay treatments we offer at our Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Outstanding hospital.
What are the symptoms of bladder problems?
Feeling a sudden hard-to-resist urge to go to the toilet can be a sign of an overactive bladder. Some people leak before they reach the bathroom or need to go more than seven times a day and frequently through the night. Others have stress urinary incontinence – leaking when they laugh, sneeze, cough or exercise.
Mr Gupta, Consultant Urogynaecologist said: “This is a very common problem. Up to 34% of women have issues with leaky bladders at some point in their lives. You should not feel embarrassed talking to a doctor about your symptoms and this will be the first step towards finding a way to effectively manage the problem.”
What causes bladder problems?
In women, the urethra or tube carrying urine from the bladder is shorter and more prone to leaks. Stress incontinence in women can happen after childbirth, because of extra strain on the pelvis or childbirth problems. Either can weaken the pelvic floor muscles which hold the bladder and bowel in place and help to stop leaks. Some women also develop stress incontinence after menopause, as hormone changes weaken the pelvic floor.
Jan Chaseley, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Continence Care says bladder problems can often be easily treated. Jan, along with her expert team of nurses, treat stress incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, prolapse and many other bladder issues, but bladder problems should never be viewed as a normal part of ageing.
Men can also develop stress incontinence after surgery for prostate cancer. As they age, and the prostate which surrounds the urethra grows, they may also have difficulty emptying their bladder fully.
When should you ask for support?
When bladder problems affect people's lives and it becomes difficult for them to enjoy the theatre, undertake long journeys, or go on holidays, it's time to ask for help.
Urinary incontinence causes huge embarrassment and inconvenience but there are often simple measures which can help.
If you have any questions regarding the different options available, contact us using our online enquiry form or by calling our Private Patient Team on 01580 363 557.
Published on 11 October 2021