FAQs

1. Why me?

   Bladder problems can be embarrassing and can limit your quality of life. It's not unusual to feel that your life is out of control and that your bladder problems leave you feeling anxious or depressed. If your self-esteem is truly dented, your doctor may suggest referring you for counselling.

2. I need to pass urine every hour or so. That's not normal, is it?

   The normal number of times to go is 4 to 8 times in 24 hours. Apart from when we're asleep at night, most of us empty our bladder every 3 - 4 hours or so.

3. How can I start to cope with needing to go to the toilet wherever I am?

   In the long term, bladder retraining may help. It involves trying to overcome the feeling that you need to go to the toilet for as long as possible and gradually helps you to hold more urine for longer. However, bladder retraining takes time - for a stop-gap, it's worth thinking ahead and planning loo stops when possible. Also, some people should consider wearing a discrete pad in case the worst happens.

4. How do I control the smell associated with incontinence?

   Absorbent pads and pants - although on a temporary measure - can act as a 'safety net' while your bladder treatment is taking effect. Available from pharmacies for both men and women, these special pads and pants have been designed to absorb leaks from the bladder and to prevent odour associated with incontinence. Remember to change pads regularly - urine only smells bad when it has been hanging around for a while. Don't be tempted to use sanitary pads instead - they stay damp and can make your skin sore in that area.

5. Is it usual to need to go to the toilet several times during the night?

   Having to get up to go to the loo more than once a night is one of the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome. It may be worth having a word with your GP.

6. I'm worried about having a leak during love-making. Should I avoid sex?

   There's no reason why you shouldn't have an active sex life if you have bladder problems. If you empty your bladder before you start, any leakage is likely to be small. And remember, sex involves plenty of bodily fluids anyway, so a small leak is almost certain to go unnoticed.

7. How do I tell my partner I feel worried about having sex because of my bladder problem?

   Your partner will be far happier to be told about an intimate problem than be left guessing as to why you're reluctant to have sex. Remember it's a common problem and there's no need to feel embarrassed. It's best to have a chat about it - if you find it difficult to kick off the conversation, see our tips on raising difficult subjects with your partner.

8. My continence nurse told me I should make sure I drink plenty of fluid during the day. But surely, the more you drink the more you need to go to the toilet?

   If you don't drink enough fluid, your urine becomes more concentrated, and this can irritate the bladder and make your symptoms worse. It's best to take plenty of fluid on board during the day but to avoid drinking much in the 2 - 3 hours before bedtime.

9. My elderly father has bladder problems and wets the bed most nights. I'm constantly having to wash his bedding, and his mattress is suffering too. What can I do?

   You can buy waterproof mattress covers to prevent urine seeping through to the mattress. You can also get washable bed pads to put on top of the mattress - these stay dry to the touch and are also useful when away from home. Continence products may be available on the NHS - to find out whether you can be supplied them for free; ask your district nurse or continence advisor.

10. Is it true that the more children you have, the more likely it is that you'll suffer from stress incontinence?

    Pregnancy and childbirth put pressure on the muscles controlling bladder function. It's common for women to have bladder problems following childbirth but there's no reason why these should persist as long as you remember to do your pelvic floor exercises.

11. What kind of exercise should I take to help improve my bladder control?

    Apart from pelvic floor exercises, pilates provides a gentle way of strengthening core muscle groups and helps treat and prevent stress incontinence. Pilates is suitable for many people with bladder problems, old or young - ask about classes at your local leisure centre. Avoid high impact exercise and sit-ups which can put strain on your pelvic floor muscles.

12. My bladder problems make me anxious about going on holiday. How do I overcome this?

    If you use pads and other continence products, try to buy all you need for your holiday before you go as they may be hard to find while you're there. If you have a favourite washing powder, take that too as it may not be possible to buy the same brand abroad. Take a travel washing line, available from outdoor shops. If you're going by plane, pre-book an aisle seat so you can get to the toilet easily. The Bladder and Bowel Foundation can provide a free booklet, Travelling with Confidence - call 0845 345 0165 or visit www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org