Your questions answered
At DEPEND®, we understand that discussing bladder weakness openly and honestly is not always possible and that sometimes you may have questions that you feel uncomfortable asking.
But the more facts you have at your disposal, the more able you are to manage your condition. So here are a few of your most common questions on bladder weakness answered.
How common is bladder weakness?
It may surprise you to know that an estimated six to ten million people are living with bladder weakness in the UK. In fact, one in three women will experience bladder weakness at some point in our lives and the condition is surprisingly common, affecting people of all ages.
As a general rule women are more prone to bladder weakness than men. One in ten men over 60* and one in four women over 40* suffer from some form of bladder weakness. This figure rises to one in three* amongst women who have had children.
However, the chances of both sexes experiencing bladder weakness increases with age and after the age.
Is it just a natural part of aging?
Incontinence is not an inevitable part of growing old. But it can be a consequence of some age-related changes such as the loss of oestrogen in post-menopausal women and the enlargement of the prostate in men.
Whatever your symptoms it’s probably worth getting checked out by a professional because arming yourself with the facts will help you manage your condition so that you can carry on leading an active life.
Your bladder weakness may be the symptom of an underlying health problem that can be easily cured! So it’s always worth seeking a second opinion.
Is it just a matter of controlling wetness and odour?
Making sure others don’t know or preventing smell and avoiding embarrassing accidents may be your main concern or perhaps you think of bladder weakness as a nuisance rather than a real health issue. But bladder weakness can be more than just a hygiene concern.
Incontinence can be caused by a range of underlying health problems. In order to make sure you are getting the products and treatment that is right for your individual needs, you should see your GP for a professional opinion.
Will I need surgery?
Solutions to bladder weakness often tend to focus on more serious medical procedures such as surgery without highlighting the fact that the stress and inconvenience of bladder convenience can be greatly reduced, even treated, with non-surgical alternatives.
However you do need to see a doctor to get an accurate assessment on the nature of your condition.
Your doctor can then assist you in determining the best treatment for your individual needs.
What are my options?
There are various options available to help you to manage and treat your bladder control loss so you can keep doing the things they have always enjoyed.
These include pelvic muscle rehabilitation, bladder training, lifestyle modifications, medications and more.
Is anyone working on a cure for bladder weakness? How close are they?
Every day medical science continues to discover more options for incontinence treatment and management.
Surgeries are less invasive with fewer side effects and quicker recovery; more medications are available, and absorbent products have improved a great deal over what they were just a few years ago.
If you look for the right help and the right products to help you manage and treat bladder weakness, there is every chance that you can continue living a life that is active.
*Perspectives in the Global Incontinence Market, 2001
Please note that the contents of this website are for information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for your doctor’s advice. For medical care and advice you should consult your doctor on a regular basis.