The team of doctors at the North Dandenong Clinic are here to assist and support you throughout your health goals. This includes any concerns you have regarding incontinence and associated treatments. In consultation with you, a tailored program can be established to help you manage this health issue.
For a discussion with a doctor at the North Dandenong Clinic, please book an appointment .
What is Incontinence?
There are two types of incontinence: urine and bowel incontinence.
Urinary incontinence occurs when you unintentionally pass urine. It may be initiated by actions like coughing, laughing, sneezing, or intense urges to use the restroom and failing to reach it promptly. It is very common and affects up to 50% of the female population. Many men also suffer from this condition, especially those who have recently had surgery.
It’s important to seek help if this is happening to you, as there are treatments available to help you manage and improve your own health. Ignoring it can lead to loss of confidence, discomfort, embarrassment and social isolation. Book an appointment with the North Dandenong Clinic and the medical team will advise you on the best way forward.
Some of the reasons why people have incontinence include:
- Pregnancy,
- Surgery
- Dementia,
- Being over 65 years of age,
- Overweight, and
- Poor bladder habits.
What Treatment Plans are available?
The caring team at the North Dandenong Clinic will work to support you with a managed program.
There are many different treatment options available and these include:
- Pilates and yoga to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles,
- Practice your own pelvic floor strengthening exercises, known as Kegel exercises.
- You can book an appointment with our physiotherapist who will be able to provide a special pelvic exercise program for you.
- Continence chairs can be used. There is one available for booking at the Valewood Clinic in Mulgrave. It uses magnetic waves to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Any treatment plan provided to you will take your health, age and lifestyle into account. It will also support the type of incontinence you suffer from, as well as its severity and the underlying cause.
Other aspects to be aware of that will assist you in reducing issues related to incontinence:
- A diet high in fruit, vegetables, good quality protein and fibre is important, and one that includes plenty of fluids.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Exercise regularly, and if possible at least 30 minutes a day. Pilates and yoga have been found beneficial in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
- Keep a journal and note your symptoms. This will be particularly useful when you consult with the doctor or nurse.
What happens when you visit the North Dandenong clinic for a diagnosis?
The doctors at North Dandenong will ask you several questions about the history of your health. They may examine you and ask you to cough or tighten your pelvic muscles. They may also ask you to keep a bladder diary. Recording the information will assist in understanding the issue at hand.
The doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist who specialises in continence issues, or another specialist for further diagnosis.
Any type of incontinence can significantly affect your overall quality of life. There are many ways to improve the management of incontinence and the medical team at the North Dandenong Clinic will support you through your treatment.
Call the Reception today on (03) 9793 5395 to book an appointment to get the advice you need.
