Bladder
Signs of a healthy bladder:
- empties 4-6 times each day
- can hold up to 400-600ml of urine (the sensation of needing to empty occurs at 200-300 ml)
- may wake you up once at night to pass urine and twice if you are older (i.e. over 65 years of age)
- tells you when it is full but gives you enough time to find a toilet
- empties completely each time you pass urine
- does not leak urine.
Bladder control problems:
People who experience accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder may be suffering from urinary incontinence.
In Australia one in three women, one in ten men and one in five children have a bladder control problem.
Bowel
What are the signs of a healthy bowel?
Being ‘regular’ is a way of describing good bowel habits or normal bowel function. We often talk about our bowels being regular but this is often misunderstood as meaning that you go to the toilet to pass faeces every day. It’s common for people to empty their bowel once a day, although it’s still normal to go more or less often. Being regular really means that soft yet well-formed bowel motions are easily passed.
Bowel control problems:
People who pass bowel motions at the wrong time or in the wrong place may be experiencing poor bowel control, or faecal incontinence.
About 1 in 20 people experience a bowel control problem and it affects both men and women
Prevention
In many cases, incontinence can be prevented with a healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Here are some simple steps that can help you prevent urinary and faecal incontinence:
- Drink enough fluids
- Eat well
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Get active
- Practice good toilet habits
Sexuality
Sexuality is an important but often difficult topic to discuss – especially when you have concerns about bladder or bowel control.
There are ways of managing your bladder and bowel problems so you can still enjoy intimacy with your partner.
By making some small changes you may find you can easily overcome your concerns, but don’t forget there is professional help available if you need it.