Personal healthcare is one area which has been impacted by the ongoing lockdown of the UK. This article has some information for patients with bladder health issues, including how to access the medication and other treatments they’ll need.
Living with a bladder condition
The unintentional passing of urine can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Stress incontinence – when the bladder leaks when it’s under pressure (e.g. coughing or laughing)
- Urge incontinence – when you feel an intense urge to urinate and there’s a leak
- Overflow incontinence – when frequent leaking occurs when you’re not able to fully empty your bladder
- Total incontinence – when your bladder can’t store urine, which leads to frequent leaking
Treating bladder conditions
This condition can have a serious effect on the quality of life for patients but there are a variety of treatments available.
There are some simple non-surgical treatments such as:
- Changes to lifestyle (e.g. losing weight and cutting down on alcohol/caffeine)
- Exercising the pelvic floor (strengthening the muscles by squeezing them)
- Training the bladder (learning to wait longer between passing urine)
Depending on the severity of the bladder condition, a surgical treatment could be considered. The treatments will vary depending on the type of incontinence.
Raising awareness of bladder issues in the UK
Urinary incontinence is commonly thought to affect millions of people in the UK and Bladder Health UK is available to support those who may need help. There are numerous products and services available to help those who’re living with bladder issues and you can find further information by visiting bladderhealthuk.org.
Managing bladder issues day to day
You may find that incontinence products can help take some of the stress out of living with bladder issues.
At our sister company Chemistdirect.co.uk you can find special pads, wipes and sprays to help you manage the symptoms of bladder weakness.
A common cause of bladder conditions is when the bladder’s protective layer is damaged. This layer is known as the GAG layer (glycosaminoglycan layer). In some cases, bladder issues may be managed with a prescription treatment. Your GP will be able to help find the right treatment for you.
How to get you prescriptions delivered discreetly
Although the UK’s lockdown is easing, there are still restrictions for some patients finding it difficult to get hold of the medication and supplies they need.
Online services like ours can help by delivering the medication our patients need right to their door for free. Registration is simple and all our medicine is delivered by Royal Mail in discreet packaging to an address of your choice.
Tips for minimising urinary leaks
There are several simple things you can do for yourself to help reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.
- Try to stop smoking as it causes coughing which can weaken your pelvic floor muscles
- Do pelvic floor exercises on a daily basis
- Try losing excess weight as this can weaken your pelvic floor muscles
- Avoid lifting as this can put excess strain on your pelvic muscles
For more information, check out the NHS’s top 10 tips.
