Bladder Frequency & Urgency
Most of us have heard of or experienced ‘bladder problems’ at some stage, but you probably haven’t used the technical phrase, which is known as ‘bladder frequency and urgency’.
Bladder frequency’ is going to the toilet more than 4 to 6 times per day. ‘Bladder urgency’ is rushing to the bathroom with an overwhelming urge to go (and worrying that you’re not going to make it in time). You might experience this with every trip to the toilet. Or perhaps it’s only with certain triggers. Sometimes, frequency and urgency happen together. At other times, you might only experience one of them. If you suffer from frequency or urgency, don’t worry, you’re far from alone.
There’s no need to suffer alone.
Fortunately, we have good news for you. There are ways to treat these frustrating symptoms, so you don’t have to suffer alone. The majority of individuals with bladder urgency and frequency can be helped, and at Pelvic Health Matters, we’re here to help you.
Millions of Aussies suffer from bladder frequency and urgency, yet most don’t do anything about it. But the good news is that with the right help, it can be treated successfully.
Common signs & symptoms of bladder frequency & urgency
Everyone’s experience is unique, but if you suffer from bladder frequency and urgency, some of the following may sound familiar:
- Experiencing an overwhelming urge to go to the toilet:
- When you arrive home and put the key in the door
- As you get closer to the toilet
- In the cold section of the supermarket
- With a full bowel
- After a couple of coffees
- When you first wake up in the morning
- When you are feeling anxious or worried
- Having to go to the toilet more often than your friends when you are out to dinner.
- Not being able to sit through a movie
- Feeling embarrassed that you have to leave a work meeting to go to the toilet
- Avoiding exercise, socialising or doing things you enjoy due to bladder urgency and frequency
- Knowing where all the toilets are in Melbourne
- Feeling trapped on a plane, train or bus
- Dreading the long queues at intervals at the theatre
Risk factors & causes of bladder frequency & urgency
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Constipation
- Poor pelvic floor muscle function
- Enlarged prostate
- Anxiety and stress
- Sensitised nervous system
- Poor fluid & toileting habits
- Ageing
- Reduced mobility
- Menopause
- Neurological conditions
- Urinary tract infections
- Poor bladder emptying
Our Proven Pathway to Treating Bladder Frequency & Urgency
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
To begin, we take the time to understand all of you – not just what’s going on physically. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will collect the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you and your bladder urgency and frequency. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes a pelvic floor examination, UTI screening, bladder scan, bladder and fluid intake diary and questionnaires to identify any stress, anxiety, fear and panic.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your bladder concerns, we can explore how it all fits together. Perhaps you might realise how much your fluid intake affects how often you go to the toilet. Or maybe worrying about getting to the toilet on time is impacting your urgency.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals such as:
- Do what I want without having to consider my bladder
- Sit through a movie without having to go to the toilet
- Confidently travel overseas without worrying about my bladder
- Stop wondering where to find the nearest toilet
- Be present without being distracted by my bladder
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
Step 2 is where the action happens. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn how your bladder works, what’s not working and what you can do to improve your bladder control.
Next, we’ll start Pelvic Floor Muscle Training. You’ll learn valuable new skills and connect with hidden muscles that you didn’t know you had. We’ll create an individualised program based on your needs. And you’ll learn how to use these muscles when you need them – when you cough, sneeze, laugh, walk, run or are on the way to the toilet.
We’ll also help improve the strength and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles and learn strategies to calm your bladder. Plus, you’ll be given excellent resources and tools to help you progress. You’ll be armed with all the things!
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
The final step is ensuring you achieve all the meaningful goals you set at the start of your journey. You might also find that you can embrace new possibilities you hadn’t considered, such as doing a fun run or travelling to Europe. You’ll have all the valuable skills to ensure bladder control in all situations – without running back to appointments all the time.
Sometimes, though, life’s twists and turns can throw things off track, and you might find yourself needing a little reset. A nasty virus with lots of coughing, changes in your bowel habits, or the challenges that come with pregnancy or childbirth can all make bladder control more difficult. No matter what’s going on, just know that we’re always here for you, ready to help whenever you need it.
Read about Margaret 75 yrs, Frank 65 yrs, Carmel 28 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au