Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How common are bladder and bowel problems?
Far more common than you think! Around 1 in 20 Australians suffer regularly from incontinence – and that’s across all age groups. As many as 1 in 3 of us will have such problems at some time in our adult lives. It is NOT just a problem for the elderly:
- in a group of seven or eight middle aged women, the changes are that one will have experience of loss of bladder
- similarly, in a group of ten or twelve men aged over 65, one will have a problem
- as will one in thirty men under retirement age.
Incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing, nor is it incurable! Plenty can be done to help you. The important thing is to seek treatment. Some people restrict their lives because of bladder or bowel problems and there is no need for this!
Q: I’ve had problems with my prostate and my doctor has referred me to a urologist. What will the urologist do?
The urologist will want to find out the extent of prostate trouble. The story you give and a medical examination will provide a lot of help, but the most useful information comes from a set of routine tests. These usually include a urine test (to look for infection), an X-ray or ultrasound scan (to check how well the bladder and kidneys are coping), blood tests, and a urine flow test to see how fast you pass your water. Your urologist may also wish to examine the prostate.
When these tests are done the urologist will usually be able to tell you whether you need treatment for your prostate and whether any further tests are necessary.
Q: I’ve heard experts talk about stress and urge incontinence – what’s the difference?
Stress incontinence describes leakage which occurs when you are exerting yourself physically – coughing, sneezing, exercising or lifting things. Urge incontinence on the other hand describes the leakage which occurs when someone feels they want to go to the toilet. The person may feel that they have to get there quickly, and in many cases they will have no warning. The urine will be leaking in quite large volumes at the time they first become aware of the problem.
Q: I’ve heard that some women develop incontinence after childbirth. Why does this happen?
Stress incontinence can affect both men and women, but it is more likely to happen in women as the outlet from the bladder (the urethra) is very close to the birth canal. Damage during childbirth such as that caused by delivery using instruments, or tears, can put women at risk of incontinence.
Q: What can I do to improve my bowel habits?
Try to:
- drink lots of fluid, particularly water
- eat a well balanced diet, high in fibre
- have your meals regularly during the day
- have consistent and regular bowel routines
- get regular exercise and incorporate movement into your daily activities
Q: Why are pelvic floor exercises important?
Maintaining strong pelvic floor muscles is important, especially for women of all ages. The pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, uterus and the bowel and help control both bladder and bowel. The muscles change for example with pregnancy, childbirth and as you age. A regular exercise program can help build strength, and in many instances prevent, or improve some kinds of incontinence.
Q: I have a client using condom drainage. He has problems with the urisheath coming off and is using three or four a day. Any suggestions?
I trust that you have used a measuring guide to establish the correct size required. Condom drainage is available in various sizes. A guide is placed mid shaft to establish the correct size ranging from 21mm to 41mm. Once the right size is established, you need to assess the correct length. Condom drainage is available in three length sizes: standard, shorter and longer.
Adhesive coverage also varies. Small or full length adhesive is available as well as stronger adhesive condoms. There are also single sided and double sided adhesive foam strips that can be used with the non adhesive condoms. A new product, Torbot Bonding Cement, has replaced the skin bond adhesive. It is a paint-on adhesive. Remember to check that your client is not using creams or oils which will decrease the effectiveness of the adhesive.
Finally check the width of the tubing of the bag that is connected to the condom drainage. If it is too small i.e. the size of a HB pencil (SE3 bag) backflow may be created causing the sheath to “blow off”. Try a chalk sized tubing (SE 4 bag). This ensures urine is carried away faster and prevents a backflow problem.
Q: Can you advise me on what products my client can use for his/her faecal incontinence?
This will depend on the degree of, and reasons for, their faecal incontinence. It is important that the cause be investigated as many contributing factors can be addressed, once this has been identified. In the meantime there are a number of disposable products available that can assist.
Thinner, but larger area, disposable pads can assist the containment of faecal incontinence. These can be worn with a client’s normal underwear or with disposable stretch pants. Disposable pull-up pants can also be useful for clients that are ambulant as, once soiled, the side seams can be torn to allow easy hygiene and removal of the pant. If your client is resting in bed and unable to walk, a nappy style pad may be useful. There are also special odour absorbing pads and other products available.
Independence Australia Health Solutions has a range of products available and can arrange samples to best suit your clients’ needs.
Q: Which wound care products are available?
Independence Australia Health Solutions stock a comprehensive range of over 2,000 wound care products, including leading brands. We provide solutions covering traditional, moist healing and compression treatments. You can purchase just one dressing or as many as you require.
Q: Which product should I use for leg ulcers?
It’s important for a healthcare professional to assess the wound prior to making treatment decisions. They will take into account contributing factors that may influence healing. Independence Australia Health Solutions can then provide you with the recommended treatment products.
Q: Can I adjust the length of the tube on my drainage bag?
The tubes of many bags can be cut to the length most appropriate for you. If your tube has corrugated sections ensure that you leave a smooth part of the tube at the end, before attaching the spare connector supplied with your bag
Q: Do I need a sterile or a non-sterile bag?
If you have a catheter inserted, you will need a sterile bag in order to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. If you are using a external (condom) drainage system a non-sterile bag will work fine.
