We’re doubling up this month as it’s World incontinence Week this week and June is Prolapse Awareness Month - an ideal time to address these very-much connected issues that can affect many individuals on a daily basis. Both urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are common conditions, especially among women, and they often overlap. Understanding these conditions, and the role physiotherapists in ReformPhysio and Pilates, play in treatment can lead to better management and improved quality of life.
Know the numbers.
1 in 3 women who have had children will develop a prolapse, but only 6% of women report symptoms of a prolapse. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men experience bladder leaks and 1 in 10 people will experience bowel leaks.
This doesn’t sound so rare anymore right?
It's common for women to experience both urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Up to 60% of women with prolapse also suffer from urinary leakage, and 40% of women with urinary leakage have some form of pelvic organ prolapse.
What is Incontinence?
There are two main types of Incontinence:
1. Urge Incontinence: Characterised by a sudden, intense need to urinate, leading to leaks - this can occur with both urinary and faecal incontinence.
2. Stress Incontinence: Leaks happen during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as laughing, coughing, or exercising. This occurs when the muscles that close the bladder neck are unable to maintain closure under pressure.
Factors Affecting Incontinence:
Dietary Habits: Drinks like caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages can exacerbate urinary symptoms. Conversely, not drinking enough can make urine more concentrated, increasing urgency and leaks.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength: Strengthening these muscles can help manage both stress and urge incontinence. Less frequently working to relax the muscles can help reduce symptoms.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse or POP occurs when one or more of the vaginal walls or the top of the vagina descends downward. There are various symptoms associated with POP:
A sensation of heaviness in the vagina
Feeling like there's a tampon stuck
Visible or palpable bulge in the vagina
Difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowels
What are the causes of Prolapse?
As standard, when it comes to a women’s body there is a lot going on and there are a few factors that contribute to the development of Pelvic Organ Prolapse:
Childbirth: POP is more common in women who have had children, but can also occur in those who haven't.
Ageing: Likelihood of Pelvic Organ Prolapse increases with age.
Genetics: Family history can play a role.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity and jobs involving heavy lifting can increase risk.
How Physiotherapists can help with Prolapse.
Many women believe that these symptoms are a normal consequence of childbirth or ageing, but physiotherapy can offer a safe and effective treatment for Prolapse.
Physiotherapists play a crucial role in managing prolapse; and this can include:
Pelvic Floor Exercises: To strengthen the support of the vagina.
Personalised advice: guidance on lifestyle changes, including weight management, and better bowel and bladder habits.
Medical collaboration: Coordination with medical teams for treatments such as pessaries, or vaginal oestrogen.
During an appointment we will discuss your symptoms, we may perform a thorough internal examination of your pelvic floor muscles (we can still help you without an internal exam) and provide a tailored treatment programme to help improve your symptoms.
If you experience symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Urinary Incontinence, it's important to seek help. A referral to a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can be made directly or through your GP, especially if new onset urinary incontinence occurs, to rule out conditions like UTIs.
By raising awareness and understanding - and talking about Incontinence and Prolapse - we can better manage and treat these common yet often overlooked conditions, improving lives and health outcomes.