Incontinence - A Taboo Subject?

Do you have to stop and hold when you sneeze or cough?

Do you leak urine when you laugh too loud?

Are you worried about getting back into sports or fitness in case you leak?

Do you have a mental note in your head of where all the toilets are on-route when you go out in public?

Do you find yourself having to rush to the toilet with very little warning?

Do you always empty your bladder before sex for fear of leaking?

If you have answered yes to any one of these questions you would benefit from seeing a Physiotherapist with knowledge in women’s health or pelvic health. Unfortunately, incontinence is a topic that is not talked about enough. Most women are happy to talk about their birth experiences in detail but not the incontinence that can follow for weeks, months or even years after. Women usually dismiss it as part of having a baby and expect it just to come right by itself or think that they should just put up with it. At times incontinence can also occur completely unrelated to childbirth.
As women we are often so focused on looking after everyone around us that we neglect ourselves however if we hurt the muscle in our arm and couldn’t use our arm properly it’s likely we would go and see a physio so why is our pelvic floor any different? In France the government pays for women to have 8 physiotherapy sessions starting from 6 weeks after having a baby, it’s common knowledge that they need to rehab their pelvic floors after pregnancy and childbirth.
An NZ study by Lara and Nancy (1994) showed an overall prevalence of urinary incontinence in women of 34%. An earlier study by Holst and Wilson (1988) reported similar results with a prevalence of 31% but what was interesting with this study was that out of all the women with urinary incontinence only 35% of them sought out professional help. These stats are only looking at urinary incontinence, women can also be affected by faecal incontinence following childbirth, trauma or other causes. Unfortunately, our lack of openness to talking about these issues can often lead to a sense of isolation or depression. If you answered yes to any of the above questions don’t hesitate to book in for an assessment with a suitably qualified Physiotherapist today.

Holst K, Wilson PD (1998) The prevalence of female urinary incontinence and reasons for not seeking treatment. NZ Med J 101: 756–8.
Lara C, Nancy J (1994) Ethnic differences between Maori, Pacific Island and European New Zealand women in prevalence and attitudes to urinary incontinence. NZ Med J 107: 374–6.