incontinence

On 1 October 2010, the Equality Act replaced most of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). However, the Disability Equality Duty in the DDA continues to apply. According to the House of Commons Library, there are 14.6 million people in…

The bowel is part of our digestive system and it works to digest the food we eat, absorb the goodness and nutrients into our blood stream, then process and expel the waste that the body cannot use. The digestive system works by…

Different people have different bowel habits. Most people who have a bowel movement more than 3 times a week and pass good textured faeces (not too hard or soft) can be said to have 'normal' bowel behaviour. Since it can be hard to state…

Having a problem with the digestive system can cause a great deal of discomfort and can make you feel bloated and sluggish. There are many causes of an upset digestive system, such as an unhealthy diet, stress, antibiotics and travel, to…

People with faecal incontinence or leakage of faeces can be helped by undertaking special exercises to strengthen the sphincter muscles. With regular practice, the exercises could help to build up your muscles. Check with your health…

Bowel problems are not limited to adults and are definitely not just part of getting older – children can experience them too. Some children will be born with bowel conditions while others can develop them as they start to grow. In this…

A catheter is a thin tube which is used to drain urine from the bladder. Catheters are used as a management aid by people who cannot empty their bladder properly. There are three main types of catheters: Intermittent catheters…

If you are have concerns around bladder control or someone you know needs support, it can help though to have a broader understanding of what support is available to you. These frequently asked questions may help you find more…

Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) (also known as Sacral Nerve Stimulation) is an NHS funded therapy that may be able to help certain people who experience bladder and bowel problems.  Where successful, the treatment can be a life changing…

What is a suprapubic catheter? A suprapubic catheter is a hollow flexible tube that is used to drain urine from the bladder. It is inserted into the bladder through a cut in the tummy, a few inches below the navel (tummy button). This is…

Traditional acupuncture is a healthcare method based on ancient principles which go back nearly two thousand years. It is believed that the main basis for treatment is that illness and pain occur when the body's qi, or vital energy, cannot…

What is Biofeedback? Biofeedback is a technique which is designed to help strengthen your urethral and anal sphincter muscles and pelvic floor muscles and help you to gain control over your bladder. Biofeedback can help you learn which…

Bladder retraining is a simple and effective method used to try and overcome bladder problems including, urgency, frequency and incontinence.

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is used to treat bladders that do not empty fully. You will be taught how to insert a urinary catheter into your bladder by a health professional – this can be done in a hospital, clinic or at…

There are some general lifestyle changes that you could make which may help to alleviate your symptoms. As well as following a healthy diet, you should try to take some form of regular exercise.  If you have stress incontinence it may be…

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition, so affects the nerves. A coating around the nerve fibres called myelin becomes damaged and can produce a wide range of symptoms, which vary greatly from person to person. MS is a complex…

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, which is caused by a physical disease of the brain. It is a progressive illness, which causes loss of memory, judgment and language. Between 60 - 70% of those with Alzheimer’s will go…

What Is Overflow Incontinence? Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder doesn’t empty properly, and so it leaks out. You may not get the message to go to the toilet either. The bladder never empties properly and fills up more…

The key to treating bowel incontinence - also known as faecal incontinence - is to find the condition that is causing this. Chronic constipation and a weak pelvic floor are two of the most common causes of faecal incontinence and in many…