Bladder and Bowel 2019

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Dr Alex: “I hate to trivialise the issue, but a prostate exam really isn’t a big deal”

From my experience as a doctor, there is an undeniable stigma surrounding certain health issues when it comes to the male population. Even the mere mention of a prostate examination sends most men into a silent panic, and for many, it is that fear that prevents them coming to see us doctors in the first...

How to keep your bladder healthy after having the Mitrofanoff surgery

Tips from the Mitrofanoff Support charity for keeping your bladder healthy after having the Mitrofanoff bladder diversion surgery. What is a Mitrofanoff? In 1976 Professor Paul Mitrofanoff created a procedure, now known as the Mitrofanoff, for people who were unable to empty their bladder in the usual way. The procedure creates a channel between the...

Urinary tract infection – are antibiotics always necessary?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is very common, especially among females, and around half of all women will experience a UTI in their lifetime. Typical symptoms would include pain on passing urine, frequent urination and dark, cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Traditionally, UTI has almost always been treated with a course of antibiotics, but recent publicity surrounding...

My bladder’s not going to stop me!

There is a range of patients affected by issues relating to their bladders early in life. Some may be born with conditions – such as bladder exstrophy or posterior urethral valves – others may have neurological problems, such as spina bifida, which can affect the function of the bladder and bowel. Some may develop changes...

Incontinence and mental health are linked

Whether it’s celebrities talking or something you see on the TV, urinary incontinence is becoming more well-known. But that doesn’t mean we’re doing anything about it. For one in three women, urinary incontinence is something they will have to endure throughout their lives. Whether it was the outcome of pregnancy or the onset of menopause,...

BPH patients don’t have to suffer in silence

Minimally-invasive procedures could end the sub-optimal treatment being endured by men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been described as ‘practically inevitable’ in older men. According to the NHS, 40% of men over 50, and 75% of men in their 70s have urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, which forces...

The most common disease you’ve never heard of

Overactive bladder can completely ruin a life and it is more common than both diabetes and asthma, yet it’s almost never spoken about. It’s time we brought a stop to that. Here’s our guide. For the roughly eight million people in the UK who struggle with overactive bladder (OAB), it means that they find it...

Why you need to exercise your pelvic floor

Pelvic health refers to the function and wellbeing of the muscles, organs, nerves and connective tissues in the pelvic region. Many men and women are affected by pelvic health conditions. The majority of these conditions have a significant impact on quality of life due to pain and/or embarrassment. Why is pelvic health so important? Many...

Early diagnosis saves lives

Almost 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer annually.. Sadly, around 16,000 people die from the disease each year, making it the second biggest cancer killer. But this shouldn’t be the case. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Early diagnosis is crucial to survival rates as nearly everyone will survive if...

Bowel cancer: what you need to know

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, but over half of cases are preventable – and thanks to research, more people are surviving the disease than ever before. But, isn’t getting cancer just a lottery? Though you might think cancer is all down to genes or just bad luck, there are...

Don’t suffer in silence, ‘help is at hand’

Bladder and bowel problems are not uncommon, but many individuals prefer not to openly discuss what, in essence, is private to us all. That is, being in control of our bladder, or not having difficulties with our toileting habits and routines. People are often reluctant to come forward and present to health professionals, to seek...