If you haven't already, have a look at our article, 'So you think you have Urinary Incontinence?'
If you think you have a form of incontinence, you need to visit your GP or Continence Nurse 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 bladder 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 (nocturia):
- How many times did you get up to go to the bathroom?
- Were you able to empty your bladder?
Noting down this information will help both you and your Doctor. It will help you to clearly define your bladder weakness and hopefully stop you minimising the distress and discomfort it causes you (most women do this - please don't be embarrassed, tell your GP exactly how it is so you can get the correct help!). Also it will help your GP to understand how you feel and accurately refer you on for further help or treatment if necessary.
Remember 1 in 3 women suffer with incontinence and bladder problems and you must not ignore them! If you do, you could potentially suffer prolapse - and sadly 50% of all women over 55 will have some form of prolapse.
Don't let that be you! Take control of your pelvic health today with Kegel8!
