Help On Hand For Patients With Bladder And Bowel Disorders, UK

Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Irritable-Bowel Syndrome
Article Date: 11 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Around 14 million people in the UK have a bladder control problem and 6.5 million a bowel control problem - that's more people than those suffering with Asthma, Diabetes and Epilepsy put together. One in ten ladies are also likely to suffer incontinence in their later years. Yet incontinency is a condition that many people are too embarrassed to discuss and seek help for.

During Continence Awareness Week (15 to 19 September) Yeovil District Hospital will have a display in the Women's Hospital where a wealth of information will be available revealing the wide range of treatments available.

Consultant gynaecologist, Sharif Ismail said: "Bladder and bowel control problems can affect anyone, regardless of age. The choice and availability of treatments, products and medicines has never been greater. For example, catheters are now so small they fit into a carry case that looks exactly like a ladies' lipstick.

"The first contact should be with the GP who will have a number of options depending on the nature of the condition. Some patients resolve their problems with the support of a community incontinence advisor - we have five covering the east of Somerset. Sometimes all that is needed is diet advice; a simple change of fluid intake and/or pelvic floor exercises.

"Yeovil District Hospital has specialist physiotherapists who can also help sort patients' problems out and we have a uro-gynae clinic where tests can be done. Medication can also successfully treat some patients while others will need surgery."

The Bladder and Bowel Foundation has produced a new booklet, Dispelling the Myths - the truth about bladders and bowel disorders. It is available from Yeovil Women's Hospital, free of charge, or by contacting B&BF on 01536 533255 or download a copy from the website at http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org

Bladder and Bowel Foundation