publication date: Nov 15, 2007
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author/source: Anne Coates
If
you are socialising with
three women friends then the chances are that at least
one of you
experiences bladder weakness –
stress incontinence – when urine leaks involuntarily on
coughing, sneezing,
laughing or exercising.
There are
three main reasons for this:
- weakened pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth or being overweight;
- going through the menopause – the reduction of oestrogen affects the abdominal and bladder muscles;
- infection, certain drugs, nerve damage or constipation;
resulting in:
- stress – unexpected leakage;
- urge – sudden urge to pass urine which cannot be restrained;
- overflow – when the bladder does not empty completely, urine builds up and may drip out;
- mixture – it’s quite common to have more than one of the above.
What you can do
- Make sure you empty your bladder completely. There’s a tendency for women to lean forwards while urinating, when to empty the bladder you should lean backwards.
- If you think you have an infection – have a test and get it treated.
- Wear a pad - Tena make a range of these - while you are sorting out the problem.
- Work on your pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor workout
Professor
Kari Bø has launched a DVD to teach the
Pelvicore Technique which increases core
strength, improves
posture and
flattens tummies.
A
physical therapist and exercise scientist at the Department of Sports Medicine in Oslo,
Kari has written widely about the
pelvic floor, fitness, pregnancy, fitness and
women’s health.
In the
Pelvicore Technique DVD Kari explains how to
locate the pelvic floor muscles and how to
tone them along with
exercises to improve
movement and reduce
back pain. Studies show her technique
cures stress incontinence in
60 to 70 per cent of women. The
exercises are simple to
follow and you should allow about
20 minutes to complete them.
Pelvicore Technique is produced by
CoreWellness, a Europe-wide campaign supported by
Tena, a leading
hygiene brand and expert in bladder weakness.
To get your
free copy of
Pelvicore Technique DVD ring 0845 300 6466
or go to www.corewellness.co.uk