Polly Weston
Chair, Association for Continence Advice (ACA)
Up to 6 million people, nationally, are affected with bladder problems — many of those with accidental bladder leakage — and 1 in 10 of us will suffer from bowel dysfunction in our lifetimes.
Remaining in optimal bladder and bowel health can be challenging as so many of our lifestyle choices might have an impact on our bladder and bowel function.
Staying hydrated for a healthy bladder
Adequate hydration is key to keeping our body — and in particular, bladder and bowel — healthy. Good hydration is also paramount to the prevention of urinary tract infection and constipation and can help ensure patients avoid subsequent hospital admission.
Limiting fluid intake can exacerbate bladder issues. It is important to remember that the bladder’s main function is to fill and hold onto urine. In order to do this effectively, it needs to remain calm and relaxed. If we limit our fluid intake, the bladder will, in time, learn to empty more frequently as it thinks it is full with a smaller amount of urine. It empties by contracting to void urine. The more frequently it contracts and voids urine, it will forget its ability to relax and hold urine, hence worsening the bladder problem.
Access to NHS bladder and bowel services is
often through a GP referral and can
incur lengthy waiting times.
Where to get help in the UK
Bothersome bladder and bowel conditions are surprisingly common, so you are not alone. Millions of people in the UK are affected by bladder issues. A high percentage may suffer from bowel dysfunction as well.
Access to NHS bladder and bowel services is often through a GP referral and can incur lengthy waiting times. NHS services are particularly stretched to capacity following Covid-19; and as the NHS referrals have been overwhelming, staffing/recruitment is a concern. While the NHS endeavours to restore its services, it might be useful for patients to be aware of other help available.
Bladder & Bowel UK have a confidential patient advice line, as well as a library of resources to support patients. A new resource is the CONfidence app which promotes self-help and treatment for bladder and bowel conditions. It is a useful resource for patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
