Embarrassing health problems: Don’t suffer in silence

If you suffer from bowel or bladder control problems, you are not alone. The NHS estimates that up to 6 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence and studies suggest that in the UK "major faecal incontinence" affects 1.4% of the general population over 40 years old.

However, for sufferers, the condition can be highly embarrassing and can severely impact on quality of life – bringing with it a loss of self-esteem, sleep deprivation, and even symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Bowel and bladder control problems are caused by damage to the muscles or nerves. This can be related to pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, weak pelvic muscles, diabetes, prostate cancer, bladder cancer or stones, and neurological disorders. While it is not a natural part of aging, your risk also increases as you get older.

There are a number of ways you can take control of incontinence. Non-surgical techniques such as pelvic muscle exercises and absorbent products can help and some medication can be effective to reduce the impact of faecal or urinary incontinence. There are also reversible surgical options such as InterStim therapy.

If you have incontinence, or know someone who does, it is important to seek appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Don’t suffer in silence. For expert advice on dealing with this sensitive issue, log onto our live and interactive WebTV show with Colorectal Surgeon Mr Andrew Clarke who recently appeared on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies. He’ll be here to answer all your questions – and will give you the help you need to take control and live the life you want to.

Mr Andrew Clarke, Colorectal Surgeon, from Poole Harbour BMI Hospital joins us live online at:
webchats.tv/chat/take_control_of_incontinence
on Thursday 10th December 2009 at 14.00 to discuss bladder and bowel problems and the potential treatments to cure this common issue.

For more information visit bowel-control.co.uk.