If you think you have a form of incontinence, you need to visit your GP to get more information of what's causing your incontinence, and what can be done to treat it.

TIP! Why not print out your results from the 'So you think you have Incontinence?' article to illustrate clearly what your symptoms are. To make your appointment easier, quicker and more productive, follow these simple steps to help you and your doctor understand your symptoms and situation:

1. Keep a diary for a few days to track your fluid intake and output. The more specific you are the better. For each 3-hour period, make note of the following:
- What and how much you drank
- How much urine you released when you went to the bathroom. Was it a little, or a lot? Did your bladder feel completely emptied after you'd finished?

2. If and when you feel yourself leaking urine, make a note of the following:
- How much urine did you leak? A little, or a lot? Did you have to change your underwear?
- What you were doing when the leakage occurred?
- What level of urgency you experienced before urinating; none, some, high?

3. Don't forget to note any night-time disturbances:
- How many times did you get up to go to the bathroom?
- Were you able to empty your bladder?

Obviously, if you have a severe heart condition, we're not recommending that you suddenly stop taking your medication; we just want our Kegel8 followers to be informed and aware.
Here are five commonly prescribed medications to those of incontinence-affected age:

1. Alpha-adrenergic blockers - commonly used to treat hypertension aka high blood pressure. However, they relax the bladder and urethra which can cause and worsen stress incontinence in some women.
2. Cholinesterase inhibitors - goes under trade names like Aricept and Exelon, they are used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, they can increase the frequency of bladder contractions and worsen urge incontinence.
3. Anticholinergic effect-drugs - these drugs are used to block neurotransmitters in the brain and are used widely to treat a number of things from depression to Parkinson’s disease. They can worsen incontinence as they interfere with bladder contraction.
4. Opioids - treatment for serious pain relief such morphine and codeine. However, these drugs interfere with the bladder and can cause overflow incontinence.
5. Hormone therapy (HRT): The oestrogen-progestin combination in HRT can cause or worsen the incontinence in some women. Yet another addition to our ever growing list of HRT: shall I, shan't I take it?

If you are on any of these medications and feel that they are indeed worsening your condition, why not have a chat with your GP to discuss other possible options that may not interfere with your incontinence? Until then, happy Kegelling!

If you think you may have incontinence but you're not quite sure, take our simple questionnaire below to determine your symptoms.

Mostly orange: You could have... Overflow Incontinence. You may have a feeling that your bladder is full, even after you have been to the toilet. This is caused when the muscles around your bladder are not able to squeeze the bladder empty. It is commonly as a result of nerve or muscle damage, perhaps caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, surgery or injury. Because you can't empty your bladder completely, the bladder and its associated muscles become slack and less controlled; this causes urine leaking.

Mostly blue: You could have... Urge Incontinence. This is caused by the involuntary bladder contractions that occur as the bladder fills. With this form of incontinence, you will probably be aware of the urgent sensation but will be unable to stop a leakage before getting to the toilet. Urge incontinence usually has 'triggers', such as hearing running water or 'key-in-the-door' syndrome; knowing that you will soon be able to go to the toilet can cause bladder contractions.

Mostly red: You could have... Stress Incontinence. This form of incontinence is extremely common and affects over 2 million people in the UK. Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor or sphincter have been weakened or damaged. This is typically caused by childbirth, menopause, being overweight, constipation or chronic coughing.

If you think you could have a form on incontinence, don't delay! Remember: incontinence is not for life, it can easily be treated. We recommend that you take a look at our range of Kegel8 pelvic toners to treat your incontinence, visit your GP, or alternatively, for more information on pelvic toners call the Kegel8 line on 01482 496932.

We've compiled a few of the most commonly-used things that can both cause and worsen your case of incontinence; you might want to stay well clear of them!

Alcohol: Yep, sorry ladies but that much needed 'after work glass-then-bottle of wine' is doing more damage than you suspected! Alcohol increases urine production and makes you dehydrated- which then makes you drink more. It's a revolving circle!

Stay away from: Vodka & Red Bull, Whisky & Coke. Not only are these tipples alcoholic but the added caffeine from the mixers will make your condition even worse. If you really need a pick me up or a de-stress:

Treat yourself to: A glass (singular!) of Red wine or a single measure of Brandy. Red wine can lower cholesterol and keep heart disease at bay, whilst Brandy contains immune-boosting anti-oxidants and is great in winter if you've got a cold!

Decongestants: If like me, you suffer from troublesome sinuses, Sudafed is probably your best friend and confidant come sinus time! However, decongestants like this actually tighten the urinary sphincter and can cause urinary retention and overflow incontinence.

Solution? If you're feeling stuffy, try getting a bowl of hot water; put a couple of drops of tea tree oil or menthol in there. Hover your face over the steamy bowl and cover your head with a towel to keep the steam in. Close eyes and inhale. Is also great for opening pores pre-facial!

Caffeine: Say goodbye to tea, coffee, cola, and energy drinks! Why? It increases urine production. If you're finding it hard to stay awake after a night of hot sweats or a crying infant (us women have all the fun, I know) caffeine can actually make you more irritable and dehydrated than to start with.

Solution? Try Green Tea or herbal tea with 'natural' caffeine properties such as Gingko or Guarana.

If you are purchasing a Kegel8 Tight & Tone or Kegel8 Ultra to treat an existing medical condition such as stress incontinence or bladder weakness, you are entitled to claim VAT relief. In order to receive this relief you must complete and submit a VAT declaration. This is self certification. You do not need your GP's endorsement but we must retain your declaration form on our files should the VAT Inspector wish to verify our claim on your behalf.

• A VAT refund can only be granted when we receive your signed declaration.
• Your declaration can be in paper form, posted or sent by fax, or by e mail with your signature.
• Kegel8 Tight and Tone, Kegel8 Ultra, Kegel8 Plus, Athena, and all dedicated accessories (except batteries) qualify for relief.
• Postage and courier charges do not qualify.
• You cannot claim exemption if you are purchasing the equipment for any form of professional or business use.

How do I get my VAT back?

You can either:

• 1. If you think you qualify you can click "add to basket" on the cheaper priced option. This will send you to a new product page, where the price is minus the VAT. 
• 2. This new product page will include a VAT Exemption form, please fill this in and then add the product to your basket.

or

• 1. If you think you qualify please place your order and initially pay the VAT.
• 2. When we send your order we will include a VAT Exemption form, please fill it in and return it to us within 14 days.
• 3. When we have received your signed declaration we will, within 5 working days, refund the amount of VAT you paid. If you paid by credit card, cheque, or paypal we will refund you accordingly and send you notification.

Please note that certain accessories, postage and courier charges do not qualify for exemption and VAT will be charged on these items at the normal rate.

In submitting this form you are declaring that you have read and understood the VAT exemption rules described and referred to above and that the goods you have ordered from N E Services Mail Order trading as StressNoMore.co.uk are for your own use and you are claiming that the supply of these goods is eligible for relief from VAT.

This is the information you'll find on your VAT exemption certificate. Remember you don't have to get your Doctors authorisation, it is a form of self certification.

FIRST NAME _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

SURNAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

POSTCODE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

MEDICAL CONDITION _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

DATE: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

You've now used your Kegel8 and you have some questions:

Q How often should I use the Kegel8?

Initially we recommend you use the Kegel8 once a day for 12 weeks. Always use the KE Gel because it actually helps to make your Kegel8 exercising even more effective. You can use your Kegel8 during your period if you wish, and it is a great way to relieve menstrual cramps and period pain.

After your initial 12 week daily routine you can move onto a maintenance programme, that's exercising a couple of times a week. Some women who have a particularly weak pelvic floor continue using it daily until they are much stronger.

Q. I can't get the mA's past 6, 7 or 8

If you do not get an effective contact with the probe you will find that you cannot increase the mA's past level 6, 7 or 8. The probe must maintain contact with your pelvic floor muscle to contract and exercise it properly. Conductivity is also improved by using the lubricant provided, it is water based, and body friendly and you'll get better results.

Q. What are mA's?

mA is the shortened term of milliampere, 1mA is one thousandth of an Ampere (A) which is used to measure the amount of electric charge. The higher you set the mA's the Kegel8 will work harder.

Q. How should I insert the probe?

The vaginal probe needs to be inserted just 2 inches (5.5 cm) this is the optimum level to stimulate your pelvic floor muscle.

Q. Can I use the Kegel8 if I have an IUD or Mirena coil fitted?

Yes. The Mirena is plastic so not problems there. An IUD contains copper which is unaffected by the Kegel8 and STIM so no problems there either.

Q. Can I use my Kegel8 when I have a period?

You can use your Kegel8 during your period if you wish, and it is a great way to relieve menstrual cramps and period pain as well as strengthening your pelvic floor at the same time.

Q. Can I use the Kegel8 whilst pregnant?

NICE Clinical guidelines advise against using any STIM machines vaginally during pregnancy.

Q I Can't Feel it – Is it working?

You need to adjust the mA's button, that's the plus button on probe side. Increase the mA's until you can feel the muscle contracting. When you do the hand test you'll find you can only go up to about 8mA's, vaginally you can go right up to 90mA's, but make sure it is comfortable.

Increase the mA's - remember the stronger the pull, the stronger the exercise.

Q. I aim to have my mA's on 40 but on some programmes it drops to 30, why is that?

When the programme goes through its preset routine the pulse width and pulse length varies, when the pulse rate and length increase the mA's drop so that the intensity does not take you by surprise! So if you feel a decrease in intensity increase the mA's back up to a level that you can feel working.

Q. How soon after giving birth can I start with my Kegel8?

Consult with your Midwife or Doctor. Generally women feel happy to start after a successful six week check-up.

Q. I have just had pelvic surgery, how soon can I start to use the Kegel8?

Consult with your Doctor or Consultant, every case is different, but the Kegel8 could help to speed your recovery. Stress Incontinence, and prolapse is usually a sign of a weak pelvic floor, so if you have had an operation to help with either of these conditions you will still need to strengthen it. The Kegel8 is ideal, but check with your Doctor or physiotherapist.

Q I find it painful inserting the probe?

Use the lubricant, this isn't supplied just to help make insertion easier, it also helps with the conductivity. The better conductivity is the more the muscle will be exercised and the more mA's you'll be able to achieve. If you are menopausal you could be suffering from vaginal atrophy, this causes vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal membrane and great discomfort. If the lubricant does not help, your Doctor can prescribe a course of oestrogen cream, use this for the recommended time, and then re commence using the Kegel8. Remember the pelvic floor needs to be exercised, do not be put off by vaginal atrophy, there are easy solutions for all women to overcome this painful condition.

Q. Why are there two channels?

Channel A (left hand side) is generally used for a vaginal probe, Channel B on the right hand side is generally used for an anal probe. If you have suffered from an anal prolapse please telephone us and we can help you with a customised programme for your condition, a selection of anal probes are also available. You can also use electrodes with your Kegel8; these high quality skin electrodes can be used outside the body to help strengthen muscles even further.

Q How do I clean my probe?

Simply rinse the probe part under the tap, keeping the wires dry at all times. Do not boil the probe. If you want to use the same probe vaginally to anally this is OK, but always thoroughly clean it because bacteria can transfer from the anus.

Q Why can I only feel the stimulation on one side?

You do not have proper connectivity with the probe you need to adjust your exercising position, ensuring the probe touches both sides of the vagina/muscle wall. If your vagina has been stretched through childbirth and you are not feeling the probe on both sides, you need to sit with your legs tightly together, squeezing your pelvic floor as much as you can against the probe. Don't forget the lubricant to add greater conductivity.

Q I can't find an answer to my question?

Give us a call, we have personal experience of the Kegel8 and if we can't answer it, the medical manufactures will.

Do you qualify for a VAT rebate on your purchase?

If you are purchasing your goods to treat a long term medical condition you are entitled to claim VAT relief. In order to claim this relief you must complete and submit a VAT declaration. This is self certification. You do not need your GP's endorsement but we must retain your declaration form on our files should the VAT Inspector wish to verify our claim on your behalf.

• A VAT refund can only be granted when we receive your signed declaration.
• Your declaration can be in paper form, posted or sent by fax, or by e mail with your signature.

Please note: TeNS units, Kegel8, Athena, Neurotrac Muscle Stimulators and , Nebulisers and all dedicated accessories (except batteries) qualify for relief. Postage and courier charges do not qualify. You cannot claim exemption when treating short term problems such as Sports Injuries or TeNS for Childbirth or if you are purchasing the equipment for any form of professional or business use.

I qualify - how do I get my VAT back?

• 1. If you think you qualify please place your order and initially pay the VAT.
• 2. When we send your order we will include a VAT Exemption form, please fill it in and return it to us within 14 days.
• 3. When we have received your signed declaration back to our freepost address we will, within 2 days, refund to the amount of VAT that was initially charged. If you paid by credit card, cheque, or paypal we will refund you accordingly and send you notification.

Please note that certain accessories, postage and courier charges do not qualify for exemption and VAT will be charged on these items at the normal rate.

In submitting this form you are declaring that you have read and understood the VAT exemption rules described and referred to above and that the goods you have ordered from N E Services Mail order trading as StressNoMore.co.uk are for your own use and you are claiming that the supply of these goods is eligible for relief

from VAT.

This is the information you'll find on your VAT exemption certificate. Remember you don't have to get your Doctors authorisation, it is a form of self certification.

NAME & Title _____________________________________________

SURNAME _____________________________________________

ADDRESS _____________________________________________

POSTCODE _____________________________________________

Medical Condition _____________________________________________

SIGNATURE _____________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________

What's the best position for me?

Initially we recommend you use the Kegel8 either reclining or sitting with your legs elevated. This will help you to get used to the Kegel8 sensation and also to stop the probe being displaced. It is important that the probe maintains contact with the muscle to contract and exercise it properly. If you do not get an effective contact with the probe you will find that you cannot increase the mA's past level 6, 7 or 8. Please remember the higher the mA's the better the programme will be - more mA's = stronger pelvic exercising.

When you are sitting with your legs elevated (e.g. sitting up in bed reading) try altering the angle of your legs, bring your knees up, variations like this will alter the angle of the vagina ensuring different areas of the pelvic floor muscle are exercised, ensuring maximum contact with the probe, to enable higher mA's.

When you get more proficient you may want to move around with the Kegel8, you’ll find that you can walk, iron, watch TV or check your e mails all the time while exercising!

If you have a prolapse

If you have a prolapse, it is recommended that you do the exercises lying down with your hips elevated. Put a pillow or cushion under your bottom – this will ensure that pressure is not bearing down onto your pelvic floor as you exercise.

Kegel8 Ultra and Ultra Plus - The Programmes

The Kegel8 Ultra and Ultra Plus has 14 pelvic exercise programmes for different needs developed by healthcare professionals:

P01 Pain Relief

• Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition in your vulva. You may feel the pain as a burning, stinging, itching, irritating or a raw feeling.
• Undiagnosed pelvic pain

P02 Urge/Prolapse

• Urge incontinence - you don’t have leakage problems, just the urge to pass urine.
• Bladder and/or Vaginal prolapse

P03 Stress Incontinence 1

• Stress incontinence - You leak urine when you cough, sneeze, run or during lovemaking. This programme is set at a rate of 40Hz, the level favoured by UK physiotherapists.

P04 Stress Incontinence 2

• Stress incontinence - You leak urine when you cough, sneeze, run or during lovemaking. This programme is set at a rate of 40Hz, the level favoured by Scandinavian physiotherapists.

P05 Frequency/Urge Incontinence

• Frequency & Urge Incontinence - You have the urge and frequency to actually pass urine several times during the day and night, this programme is favoured by UK therapists and it uses a work/rest programme.
• New Mothers - you’ve had your 6 week check-up and you want to get back in shape and restore your pelvic floor. (After 12 weeks you can progress onto PO8 the thorough Pelvic Floor Workout, a couple of times a week.)

P06 & P07 Frequency Urge

• Frequency & Urge Incontinence - You have the urge and frequency to actually pass urine several times during the day and night. This programme uses continuous stimulation as used in Scandinavian countries.

P08 Lack of Sensitivity

• New Mothers - Following the birth of your baby you may have good muscle control but a lack of sensitivity.
• Following Pelvic Surgery - Nerve damage will diminish sensations; this programme helps to recondition the muscle and to facilitate nerve sprouting to regain sensitivity.

P09 Pelvic Floor Work Out

• Perimenopausal, Postmenopausal and Menopausal Women - Use this work-out to strengthen your muscles that will weaken as your oestrogen levels drop.
• All Women - An excellent overall pelvic floor workout.
• New Mothers - after 12 weeks of P05, progress onto P08 twice a week or as necessary.

P010 Endurance

• All Women - Your pelvic muscle tone is reasonable, you can contract your pelvic floor muscles but you can't hold the contraction for long. This will help you squeeze for longer.

P010 Relaxing the Pelvic Muscles

• This programme is to help relax the pelvic muscle after the excercises, when the pelvic muslce has been working hard and some fatigue may have resulted. The very low 2 Hz frequency will help to relax the muscle.

Kegel8 Tight & Tone - The Programmes

The Kegel8 Tight & Tone is preset with 9 pelvic exercise programmes for different needs developed by healthcare professionals:

P01 Pain Relief

• Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition in your vulva. You may feel the pain as a burning, stinging, itching, irritating or a raw feeling.
• Undiagnosed pelvic pain

P02 Urge/Prolapse

• Urge incontinence - you don’t have leakage problems, just the urge to pass urine.
• Bladder and/or Vaginal prolapse

P03 Stress Incontinence 1

• Stress incontinence - You leak urine when you cough, sneeze, run or during lovemaking. This programme is set at a rate of 40Hz, the level favoured by UK physiotherapists.

P04 Stress Incontinence 2

• Stress incontinence - You leak urine when you cough, sneeze, run or during lovemaking. This programme is set at a rate of 40Hz, the level favoured by Scandinavian physiotherapists.

P05 Frequency/Urge Incontinence

• Frequency & Urge Incontinence - You have the urge and frequency to actually pass urine several times during the day and night, this programme is favoured by UK therapists and it uses a work/rest programme.
• New Mothers - you’ve had your 6 week check-up and you want to get back in shape and restore your pelvic floor. (After 12 weeks you can progress onto PO8 the thorough Pelvic Floor Workout, a couple of times a week.)

P06 Frequency Urge

• Frequency & Urge Incontinence - You have the urge and frequency to actually pass urine several times during the day and night. This programme uses continuous stimulation as used in Scandinavian countries.

P07 Lack of Sensitivity

• New Mothers - Following the birth of your baby you may have good muscle control but a lack of sensitivity.
• Following Pelvic Surgery – Nerve damage will diminish sensations; this programme helps to recondition the muscle and to facilitate nerve sprouting to regain sensitivity.

P08 Pelvic Floor Work Out

• Perimenopausal, Postmenopausal and Menopausal Women – Use this work-out to strengthen your muscles that will weaken as your oestrogen levels drop.
• All Women - An excellent overall pelvic floor workout.
• New Mothers – after 12 weeks of P05, progress onto P08 twice a week or as necessary.

P09 Endurance

• All Women – Your pelvic muscle tone is reasonable, you can contract your pelvic floor muscles but you can't hold the contraction for long. This will help you squeeze for longer.

PC1, PC2 and PC3 programmes are left free for you or you Therapist to customise you a programme tailored to your requirements. Programming the unit is easy and straightforward, but most women find that our pre-set programmes are perfect for their requirements.

Who needs Kegel8?

You do! All women need a Kegel8! Your pelvic floor muscle is what’s known as an involuntary muscle and if you don’t exercise it it will atrophy, that means the mass of the muscle decreases; it can be partial or a complete wasting away. Initially you might notice the occasional “laughter leaks” or maybe reduced intimate sensation or “something coming down” these are the warning signs that your muscles need strengthening. If you want to avoid further deterioration such as prolapse you need to Kegel8.

How does a Kegel8 work?

It delivers an electronic pulse to your muscles from the probe. This pulse makes your muscles contract, automatically making them work. This is an ideal way to exercise muscles that are weak because the machine makes the muscle work. It literally brings the muscle back to life; when it is exercised it stimulates blood flow increasing your circulation, blood brings oxygen which in turn feeds your muscle making it strong and supportive once again.

What does it feel like?

It is really comfortable to use, you’ll feel a pulling sensation as the muscle contracts.

Is it just for naughty thrills?

Not at all! It is a Grade One Medical Device; it makes your pelvic floor muscles stronger, and reverses the embarrassing effects associated with a weak pelvic floor. The fact that you are using a probe in your vagina means that it is getting deep into the muscle bed to do the strengthening exercises correctly. Your love-life however will benefit from a stronger pelvic floor giving you and your partner increased sensations and deeper orgasms.

How often do I need to use it?

Initially we recommend you use it once a day for 12 weeks. Select the programme that is right for you and the Kegel8 will strength your pelvic floor - you’ll find that it is fast, efficient and easy. After your 12 week Exercise Plan, you can then reduce it to a couple of times a week.

Do I need to do it forever?

Like any exercise routine you have to incorporate it into your lifestyle, and then you will continue to reap the benefits of a strong pelvic floor. If you stop doing pelvic floor exercises your muscles will weaken again and all those benefits will be lost. With the Kegel8 maintenance is simple, just a couple of times a week will keep you tight for life!