This week is World Continence Week!
World Continence Week (WCW) is a global initiative managed by WFIP, the World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problems. Held for a week every year, WCW primarily aims to raise awareness of continence related issues around the globe.
World Continence Week (WCW) is a global initiative managed by WFIP, the World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problems. Held for a week every year, WCW primarily aims to raise awareness of continence related issues around the globe.
Incontinence is the unwanted and involuntary leakage of urine or stool. It affects an estimated 400 million people across the world.
The sensitive nature of incontinence makes it difficult for many to seek help. Surveys have shown that fewer than 40% of persons with urinary incontinence mention their problem to a doctor or nurse. This figure is even higher for those with bowel incontinence. These conditions have been inadequately treated and poorly addressed by medical professionals, despite the substantial impact on individual health, self-esteem and quality of life.
In light of this, World Continence Week seeks to increase public awareness about incontinence and give those who need it, the confidence to seek help and improve their quality of life. Sources: ICS.org and WFIP Patient resources in Sweden: Sinoba.se Nikola.nu 1177 Vårdguiden International patient organisations: https://wfip.org/
What to do when it's embarassing.
What do you do when you think it’s embarrassing to seek health care?
Physiotherapist Elaine Miller works with women’s pelvic floors on a daily basis. She says bringing a list over what you’d like to discuss can be helpful. Begin with the thing that’s most important to you and say how this impacts on your life – what does it stop you from doing, what do you worry about, how does it make you feel?
Practice saying it out loud at home, and if you practice saying it to someone you trust then perhaps you could take them to the appointment.
You will be asked more questions about the symptoms and how long you have had them:
- Are they there all the time or do they come and go?
- How long do they last?
- Do they happen at specific times?
- Do they cause pain – and if so, what is the pain like and where is it? Have you found anything that helps?
- Does anything make it worse?
- Do they stop you from working, exercising, sleeping or having sex? Are you taking any medication?
- Is there anything else that might be affecting you?
Afterwards, ask yourself whether you were able to say everything that you wanted to. Please, don’t apologise for having needs and worries. Shame is not useful, swallow it and come to clinic. We really want to help find out why you are leaking.
Stress Urinary Incontinence or ‘SUI’ is defined as leakage of urine on exertion.
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