Bladder leakage, no matter how light, is not normal
Although embarrassing, bladder and bowel troubles are common, affecting 1 in 4 people in Australia. Although common, it is not normal to be suffering from these troubles. Pregnancy, the post natal period and menopause are the times we women may experience leaky bladders and other issues 'down there'.
We need to start talking more openly about this topic - with family, girlfriends, doctors and women's health physios. If you are at all worried, your GP or even your Fix physio would be a great place to start.
When researching for this blog post with my circle of friends and colleagues, I found an alarming trend. One I had not thought of working within the health industry, as to me, any troubles 'down there' would mean immediate attention and appropriate management. Perhaps obvious to me and other physios, but not to all those other women out there.
It seemed that if there were stories and admissions of leaking (or other pelvic floor issues) within a circle of girlfriends or mother groups, there seemed to be an acceptance that this was normal. On a positive note, it is wonderful to hear that at least the conversation had started, however, on a negative note, hearing that as a group, bladder troubles were considered a normal part of being a woman, is very disheartening.
Bladder or bowel control issues can be treated, managed and even cured with the help of a pelvic floor physiotherapist. It will not get better on its own, and it needs specific pelvic floor exercises, and changes and improvements to your toilet habits
There is help at hand.
Here are some important facts
This all sound a little bleak, doesn't it? It may, but don't put up with it. Tell someone who cares and seek treatment. Heba and Tabitha are here at The Fix Program to help. You may not be aware, but they have had extensive post grad training in pelvic floor conditions unique to women.
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