Incontinence

Many people have incontinence at some time in their lives. The most common type is stress incontinence, when the bladder leaks if put under pressure, perhaps with a cough or a sneeze, or during strenuous activity

Women are especially prone after childbirth, when their pelvic floor muscles have been weakened.

Urge incontinence sometimes occurs where there is a weakness in bowel function, for example in elderly people. Physiotherapists have a central role in treating incontinence. After detailed assessment, they may teach you exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Vaginal cones are also sometimes used

Electrotherapy can help stimulate the muscles if you cannot contract them yourself. A technique called biofeedback may be used to give you visual or auditory feedback on how the muscles are working. Physiotherapists can also offer preventive advice to those in high risk groups such as pregnant women

Continence Foundation
307 Hatton Square
16 Baldwin Gardens
London
EC1N 7RJ

Tel: 020 7404 6875
Fax: 020 7404 6876
Helpline: 020 7831 9831 (Mon-Fri 9:30am - 4:30pm)
Continence Foundation website Continence Foundation website

Association for Continence Advice
Winchester House
Kennington Park
Cranmer Road
London
SW9 6EJ

Tel: 020 7820 8113
Fax: 020 7820 0442