Professor Suzanne Hagen, Scottish pelvic floor research guru, recently delivered a key note address at the 26th National Conference on Incontinence 2017. She discussed Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) as a treatment option for overactive bladder (OAB). The research base supporting this treatment technique is growing. A systematic review published this year concluded that TTNS can be an effective, safe intervention for idiopathic OAB, and may also be of benefit to those with neurogenic OAB.

Urinary Incontinence after childbirth is a very common problem. However, too often it is dismissed by health professionals and women as 'normal', with a reminder to 'do pelvic floor exercises'. This case study highlights the complexities than can exist after childbirth, and the importance of a thorough subjective and objective assessment.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common, affecting 1 in 2 women and 1 in 20 men in their lifetime. Twenty to thirty percent of women who contract a UTI will experience recurrence. A common treatment for recurrent UTIs is low dose antibiotic prophylaxis, however such treatment programs can lead to antibiotic resistance. The increase in antibiotic resistance has re-ignited interest in non-antibiotic methods such as cranberry to prevent UTIs.

Interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a complex condition, and often difficult to treat. Professor Curtis Nickel, urologist and pelvic pain guru from Canada, was a key note speaker at the recent USANZ conference, and shared ‘10 Tips For Managing IC/PBS’. His overwhelming message, loud and clear, was that IC/PBS is a multi-factorial condition, and a multidisciplinary treatment approach is essential.

Chronic pain is a huge health problem, and is expected to cost the western world as much as diabetes and cancer combined.  Dr David Butler and Professor Lorimer Moseley have pioneered the understanding and treatment of chronic pain internationally and, luckily for us, they live right here in Australia and work at the University of South Australia.  Their latest research tells us that educating patients in the science of chronic pain is the single most important thing we can do to help their recovery.