This blog is an extension on the last one, which was about the ‘Prolapse of a Pelvic Floor Organ’ https://tranquability.com/2021/02/17/prolapse-of-a-pelvic-organ-female/. These topics are usually not discussed at the dinner table but they are common, 1 in 4 Australians are incontinent.
What is incontinence?
Incontinence describes any accidental or involuntary loss of: urine (wee) from the or faeces (poo) or flatus (wind) from the bowel.
Incontinence can range in severity from a small leak to complete loss of bladder or bowel control. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but help is available. In many cases, urinary incontinence can be treated, better managed and even cured.
Continence Foundation of Australia https://www.continence.org.au/ offers a wide variety of information covering:
- bladder, bowel and pelvic floor health
- tips for preventing and managing incontinence
- advice for carers
- support services and financial schemes that are available.
Who is at risk?
Incontinence doesn’t discriminate – it affects women, men and children of all ages, physical ability and background. There are however some health conditions and life events that can put you at an increased risk of developing either urinary or faecal incontinence.
Urinary incontinence risk factors are:
- pregnancy (both pre- and post-natal women)
- younger women who have had children
- menopause
- obesity
- urinary tract infections
- constipation
- specific types of surgery such as prostatectomy (removal of all or part of the prostate) and hysterectomy (removal of all or part of the uterus and/or ovaries)
- reduced mobility preventing you from getting to or using the toilet
- neurological and musculoskeletal conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis
- health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart conditions, respiratory conditions, and prostate problems, and
- some medications.
Prevention:
A healthy diet and regular exercise promote good bladder and bowel health
Plenty can be done to improve or in some cases cure incontinence. Changes such as adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, and practicing good toilet habits can all lead to improvements.
Yogic management of incontinence focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
Yoga sequence below:
Tranquability 